Exterior Rear View Mirror Indicator Light Directional Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind spot detection/Lane Change Assist (LCA) systems face challenges in providing a visual indicator that is readily viewable by the driver of a vehicle without being confused with other lighting, especially when located behind the exterior rearview mirror, which can be adjusted and may be visible to other drivers.
Innovation Solution
An indicator light is fixedly located at the mirror housing or its base, angled to face the driver and be non-visible to other vehicles, using a light source and optic elements like LEDs and lenses to direct light towards the driver while minimizing visibility from other drivers, integrated into the mirror assembly to avoid confusion and ensure visibility only for the host vehicle's driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the visual blind spot/LCA indicator is located behind and supported by the reflective mirror element, then the indicator can be viewable by the driver of the host vehicle, but the indicator may be visible to drivers of other vehicles causing confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a transmissive window at a specific location on the reflective element that allows light to pass through only to the driver's position. The window is strategically positioned and sized to provide directional visibility - the indicator light is visible to the host vehicle driver through the window while remaining hidden from other drivers due to the window's specific location and orientation on the mirror element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror reflective element is adjustable via mirror actuator, then the driver can set the field of view, but the position of any indicator supported behind the mirror element changes with adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the indicator light from its traditional position behind the movable reflective element and relocates it to a fixed position within the mirror housing. The transmissive window remains on the reflective element, but the light source is now stationary in the housing, separated from the movable mirror assembly. This extraction allows the mirror element to adjust freely for field of view changes while the indicator remains stable and consistently positioned relative to the driver.
3Illumination intensity
If a transmissive window is formed in the reflective coating to allow indicator light through, then the indicator can be viewed by the driver, but the reflective element's optical properties are modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mirror assembly into distinct functional zones: the reflective element with a localized transmissive window, the mirror housing containing the indicator light source, and the optical path between them. The transmissive window is created as a separate, defined feature on the reflective element, allowing precise control over where light transmission occurs. This segmentation enables the reflective coating to maintain its integrity in all areas except the specific window region, minimizing impact on overall optical performance.
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 solution ensures that the blind spot indicator is consistently viewable by the driver of the host vehicle while being substantially hidden from other drivers, reducing confusion and allowing for a simple, mass-producible design that integrates well with the rearview mirror's structure.
Implementation Method 1
a transmissive window may be formed in the reflective coating or coatings of the reflective element and an illumination source or indicator may be positioned so as to direct or emit illumination through the window and toward the driver of the host vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a rear view mirror including a reflective element in a cavity of a mirror housing with a mirror head and a mirror base. An indicator light for indicating situation information to a vehicle driver is installed, wherein the indicator light includes light sources and an optical element that allows the light to shine through. The indicator light has a split printed circuit board to support at least two light source elements and a light guide wherein the light emitted from the light sources is coupled into the end faces of the light guide.