Vehicle Mirror Lamp Light Reflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lamp-equipped vehicle outer mirrors suffer from light emission patterns that differ from the intended design due to reflection of turn signal lamp light by the lustrous downward inclined surface, causing an undesirable appearance for other vehicles and pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
The lamp-equipped vehicle outer mirror design includes a lustrous downward inclined surface above the light emitting section, with a relative positional relationship that directs reflected light substantially upwards, preventing it from being viewed horizontally and maintaining the intended light emission pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a lustrous downward inclined surface is formed on the upper cover for appearance enhancement, then the appearance design is improved, but the light emission pattern deviates from the intended design due to light reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light reflection from the lustrous downward inclined surface into a beneficial effect by precisely controlling the reflection angle. The downward inclined surface is designed to reflect light upward at an angle that directs reflected light away from the horizontal viewing direction of other vehicles and pedestrians, thereby maintaining the intended light emission pattern while preserving the appearance enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different parts of the upper cover. Specifically, the downward inclined surface is made lustrous for appearance enhancement, while other portions of the upper cover may have different surface treatments. This localized application of lustrous finish allows appearance improvement without causing unwanted light reflection in critical viewing areas.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the intermediately-disposed part of the lower cover is disposed between the lens and upper cover with a dark matte surface, then light reflection is reduced, but the turn signal lamp light appears divided into upper and lower parts resulting in poor appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of light division into a benefit by using the dark matte surface of the intermediately-disposed part as a light blocking element that defines the lower boundary of the light emission pattern. This creates a clean, intentional separation that enhances the visual clarity of the turn signal lamp light pattern rather than creating poor appearance.
3Shape
If the downward inclined surface is made lustrous for appearance enhancement, then the appearance is improved, but reflected light becomes conspicuous to other vehicles and pedestrians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies lustrous surface treatment specifically to the downward inclined surface for appearance enhancement, while controlling the geometry of this surface to direct reflected light away from horizontal viewing angles. The lustrous finish is localized to areas where it enhances appearance without creating conspicuous reflections in the directions of other vehicles and pedestrians.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the reflection issue by changing the vertical dimension of light direction. The downward inclined surface is designed with specific angles to redirect light from the horizontal plane to the vertical plane, directing reflected light upward away from the horizontal viewing direction of other vehicles and pedestrians, thereby reducing conspicuousness.
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 design ensures that the reflected light is less likely to be seen by other vehicles and pedestrians, maintaining the intended appearance of the turn signal lamp light emission pattern, even with a lustrous downward inclined surface, by directing it upwards and out of the horizontal view.
Implementation Method 1
a relative positional relationship between the light emitting section and the downward inclined surface is set so that, in the state in which the vehicle outer mirror is mounted in the vehicle and the mirror housing is in a use position, the light emitted from the light emitting section and reflected by the downward inclined surface is emitted substantially toward an area on an upper side relative to a horizontal direction in the external field
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a lamp-equipped vehicle outer mirror in which a phenomenon is less likely to occur, the phenomenon being the one in which light emitted from a lamp appears in a light emission pattern that is different from that intended by a designer. A side turn signal lamp is incorporated in a minor housing. A downward inclined surface is formed at a position above a lens of the side turn signal lamp in the mirror housing. The downward inclined surface is inclined obliquely downward and is lustrous. A part of turn signal lamp light emitted from the lens to an external field is reflected by the downward inclined surface. A relative positional relationship between the lens and the downward inclined surface is set so that the reflected light passes through an area on an upper side relative to a horizontal direction.