Vehicle Mirror Indicator Lights Shadow Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rear-view mirror assemblies divert the driver's attention from the road when using auxiliary spotter mirrors, as they require focusing on multiple images of different sizes and orientations, increasing stress and accident risk, especially under varying light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rear-view mirror assembly with a main mirror and an auxiliary spotter mirror of different orientations and curvatures, featuring indicator lights that are strategically positioned to capture the driver's attention without being obscured by external light, providing a unified field of view and integrating comfort functions like door illumination and reverse gear assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If warning lights are located outside or next to the reflector mirror element, then the spotter mirror image can be displayed, but the driver's attention is diverted to multiple different points of attention, increasing stress and accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the warning light with the spotter mirror assembly, positioning it at the perimeter of the spotter mirror rather than separately outside the reflector element. This integration allows the light and mirror image to be viewed from the same focal point, eliminating the need for the driver to shift attention between separate locations while still providing effective warning functionality.
2Illumination intensity
If indicator lights are positioned to be visible to the driver, then the spotter mirror is highlighted, but external light may obscure the indicator light perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the indicator light at the perimeter of the spotter mirror where it benefits from the shadow cast by the spotter mirror itself. This localized positioning creates a favorable micro-environment that shields the indicator light from direct external light sources while maintaining its visibility to the driver, thus resolving the conflict between visibility and external light interference.
3Loss of information
If the driver focuses on multiple images of different sizes and orientations in main and spotter mirrors, then comprehensive rear view information is obtained, but the time to pay attention to the front road increases, increasing accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the warning light functionality directly into the spotter mirror assembly, allowing both the mirror image and warning indication to be perceived from a single focal point. This eliminates the need for the driver to sequentially scan between separate mirror and light locations, reducing the total time attention is diverted from the road while maintaining complete rear view information acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
It comprises a main mirror (G1) having a first field of view and a spotter mirror (G2) having a second field of view, placed at different levels and connected by a step or partition (St) and a first indicator light (Li1) in association with a light source (30), said indicator light issuing at least a light beam directed towards a driver eyes (Dv) intended to highlight or demarcate said spotter mirror (G2) making it easier the driver to focus on it in response of an action of the driver, detection of an approaching vehicle or a vehicle advancing, or in response to a turning maneuver without turning signalization and a second indicator light (Li2) activated in response to a light turn signal activator. The indicator lights (Li1) and (Li2) are located in said step of the spotter mirror, or near the frame of the mirror, in a shadow area (18a, 18b) so that the incident daylight (Ob1) or incident external light does not disturb the perception of said indicator lights (Li1), (Li2) by a driver.