Motor Vehicle Mirror Device with PVD Coated Cover and Dual-Area Lens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of advanced features and functions in modern motor vehicle mirror devices, such as LEDs and turn signal indicators, leads to costly and time-consuming redesigns of the outer casing, compromising aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A mirror device design featuring a two-area lens and cover system with a transparent and opaque section, where the illumination elements are hidden when not activated, and a coating applied via physical vapor deposition to enhance aerodynamics and aesthetics, allowing for compact and efficient mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outer mirror casing is redesigned to accommodate additional technical features such as LEDs and turn signal indicators, then the functional versatility of the mirror device is improved, but the manufacturing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating turn signal indicators, day running lights, and rear view functions into a single mirror device assembly. The outer housing serves multiple purposes: structural support, aerodynamic fairing, and housing for illumination elements. This eliminates the need for separate redesign of the outer casing for each additional function, as the unified structure accommodates all features within the existing form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outer housing, lens assembly, and illumination elements into an integrated unit. The lens is positioned within the outer housing and works in conjunction with illumination elements mounted on the inner housing. This consolidation allows multiple components to be manufactured and assembled together, reducing the need for separate molding operations and simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer mirror casing is redesigned to accommodate additional technical features, then the functional versatility is improved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing is designed to simultaneously serve as an aerodynamic fairing and a structural support for multiple functions including turn signals and day running lights. The streamlined shape maintains smooth airflow while accommodating illumination elements, eliminating the need for additional protruding components that would disrupt aerodynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly and illumination elements are nested within the outer housing structure. The lens is positioned behind the outer housing surface, and illumination elements are mounted on the inner housing, creating a nested arrangement that maintains the streamlined external shape while accommodating multiple functional components inside.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lens is positioned behind the cover, then the aerodynamic characteristics are improved, but the light transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens acts as an intermediary element between the illumination elements and the external environment. It is positioned within the outer housing to maintain aerodynamics while its optical properties (transparency, refraction) ensure efficient light transmission. The lens mediates between the conflicting requirements of aerodynamic positioning and optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is designed with specific optical properties including transparency and refractive characteristics that optimize light transmission. The material and design of the lens are selected to minimize light loss while maintaining the aerodynamic positioning behind the cover, effectively managing the trade-off between aerodynamics and light efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design improves aerodynamic characteristics, reduces wind noise, and maintains light intensity while providing a visually appealing and functional solution for integrating turn signals and other illumination features.
Implementation Method 1
a coating layer applied to the transparent or semi-transparent casing... A light-transmissible portion is formed on the casing by removing a predetermined portion of the coating layer
Implementation Method 2
a coating applied via physical vapor deposition to enhance aerodynamics and aesthetics
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
It comprises an outer housing (40) with a cover (10) having a (PVD) coating; a lens (20); and illumination means (30, 31) such as LEDs, light guides, light emitting surfaces and/or blinkers. The lens (20) has a first area (21) internal to the cover (10), and a second, transparent area (22) extending to one side of the outer housing (40). The cover (10) has a first cover element (11) external to the lens (20) and of a nature such that the illumination means (30, 31) are visible from the exterior when they are on and not visible from the exterior when they are off. The cover has a substantially opaque second cover element (12) having an overlapping portion between the first area (21) of the lens (20) and the first cover element (11).