Vehicle Mirror Head Downlighting for Pedestrian Loading Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, particularly large ones like school buses and commercial vans, require improved illumination in areas under and to the side to enhance visibility for drivers, especially for pedestrians in front or alongside the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A mirror head system with integrated downlighting configurations, including clam shells, lighting pods, and mirror heads, equipped with LED lamps, provides additional illumination to the ground and side areas, enhancing visibility through various configurations and activation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If downlighting devices are integrated into the mirror head system, then illumination intensity in the area under and to the side of the vehicle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (mirror reflection and downlighting illumination) into a single integrated mirror head assembly. The downlighting devices are positioned within the mirror head structure to illuminate areas beneath and beside the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and reducing overall system complexity despite adding illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror head assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing rearward visibility through the mirror and providing downward/sideward illumination through integrated downlighting devices. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while improving both visibility and illumination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple downlighting configurations are provided, then adaptability to different lighting conditions and mounting positions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downlighting devices are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing them to be oriented at different angles and positions within the mirror head assembly. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to adapt to various mounting locations and lighting requirements without requiring multiple fixed-configuration mirror heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independent downlighting devices that can be individually positioned and angled. Each downlighting device can be independently adjusted to target specific areas (under the vehicle, to the side, etc.), providing versatile coverage while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't overly complicate the overall assembly.
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 system improves nighttime visibility and safety by illuminating the ground and side areas, allowing drivers to better detect pedestrians and objects, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
A mirror head system with integrated downlighting configurations, including clam shells, lighting pods, and mirror heads, equipped with LED lamps, provides additional illumination to the ground and side areas
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror assembly for vehicle is disclosed. The mirror assembly includes three configurations of extra illumination to the passenger loading area in addition to the typical mirror function for providing the vehicle driver the rear and/or side view of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly comprises two clam shells, and/or a lighting pod and/or two mirror heads that are supported by a supporting arm. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly is mounted on the school bus through the clam shells. In addition, a side lighting device is mounted on the right side of the vehicle for providing extra illumination to the passenger loading area.