Opaque Mirror Glass Display With Rear-Mounted LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies in vehicle exterior mirrors, such as blind spot detection systems and parking aids, often require visible components like semi-transparent mirrors, leading to complex structures and potential dazzling of the driver, while also necessitating extensive modifications to the mirror housing.
Innovation Solution
A method using opaque mirror glass with bright light-emitting diodes attached to the rear of the mirror glass, where symbols are inscribed directly onto a colored lacquer layer using a laser, eliminating the need for semi-transparent mirrors and allowing for high luminosity and low energy consumption displays without dazzling the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semi-transparent mirrors are used to display warning symbols, then the display function is achieved, but the mirror structure becomes complex and the driver may be dazzled
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is extracted from the mirror glass itself by attaching separate light-emitting elements (LEDs) to the rear surface of the mirror. The mirror glass remains opaque and simple, while the display components are added as independent elements that can be controlled to show warning symbols without modifying the mirror's optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
A colored lacquer layer is applied to the mirror surface as an intermediary medium. This layer allows the mirror to maintain its opaque, simple structure while providing a background that enhances the visibility of the light-emitting elements. The lacquer layer acts as a mediator between the simple mirror structure and the display function, enabling symbol formation without requiring semi-transparent glass.
2Reliability
If semi-transparent mirrors are used for displays, then warning symbols can be shown, but extensive modifications to the mirror housing are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The display functionality is extracted as separate, attachable components (light-emitting elements) rather than being integrated into the mirror housing structure. This allows the display to be added to existing mirrors without extensive housing modifications, as the elements can be mounted directly on the rear surface of the mirror glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting elements serve multiple functions: they provide the display function for warning symbols, can be integrated with existing mirror assemblies, and work with standard mirror housings. This multi-functionality allows the same basic components to be applied across different mirror types without requiring custom housing modifications for each application.
3Illumination intensity
If bright light sources are used for high luminosity display, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting elements operate in a periodic, on-demand manner rather than continuously. They are activated only when warning symbols need to be displayed (e.g., when a blind spot detection is triggered), allowing the system to achieve high luminosity when needed while consuming minimal energy during normal operation. This periodic activation pattern resolves the contradiction between brightness and energy consumption.
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
This approach enables effective warning displays that are not constantly in the driver's field of vision, providing a high warning effect without the need for special mirror components, and allows for easy integration with existing mirror housings and de-icing foils, suitable for various applications like blind spot detection and parking aids.
Implementation Method 1
bright light-emitting diodes are attached to the rear of the mirror glass
Implementation Method 2
symbols are inscribed directly onto a colored lacquer layer using a laser
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A display in the mirror glass (3) is proposed, which is created in a simple manner by a light module (10) and a structured mirror surface. The method according to the invention engraves the symbols to be displayed into the glass mirror layer (31) using a laser beam.