Exterior Mirror Light Module With Segmented Forward Turn Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle exterior mirrors lack customizable and adjustable illumination capabilities, particularly for enhanced visibility during turns and low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lighted exterior rearview mirror system with a light module that includes individually controlled forward-facing lights and a turn signal indicator, providing customizable illumination patterns and beam directions responsive to user input or vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lighting devices are used to provide illumination along the side of the vehicle, then basic visibility is improved, but the illumination lacks customization and adjustability for different driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable light sources (first plurality of light sources for forward illumination, second plurality for turn signal, third plurality for puddle lighting). Each segment can be controlled separately to provide customized illumination patterns for different driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by modularizing the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system incorporates adjustable beam directions and user-selectable illumination patterns through electronic control. The forward illumination sources can be directed at different angles, and the system can adapt between multiple lighting modes (forward lighting, turn signal, puddle lighting), providing dynamic adaptability without requiring complete system redesign for each condition.
2Reliability
If multiple light sources are added to provide forward illumination and turn signal functionality, then visibility and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lighting functions (forward illumination, turn signal indication, puddle lighting) are merged into a single integrated mirror assembly housing. The light sources are positioned within the mirror casing structure, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one unified assembly, thereby improving reliability through integration while managing complexity through shared structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly serves multiple functions: it provides rearview reflection, forward illumination during low-light conditions, turn signal indication, and puddle lighting. By making the mirror assembly universal and multi-functional, the patent improves safety and visibility without adding separate standalone devices, thus managing complexity through functional consolidation.
3Ease of operation
If light sources are positioned to provide forward and sideward illumination, then maneuverability in low-light conditions is improved, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Light sources are positioned at specific locations within the mirror assembly to provide illumination in particular directions (forward and sideward). The first plurality of light sources is oriented to illuminate the path ahead, while the second plurality provides sideward turn signal visibility. This localized positioning optimizes illumination quality for specific operational needs without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enhances visibility and safety by allowing drivers to selectively illuminate areas forward and sideward of the vehicle, improving maneuverability in low-light conditions and providing adjustable lighting for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination module provides a forward lighting and/or forward turn lighting function via a plurality of illumination sources, such as a plurality of light emitting diodes or the like, disposed in the illumination module
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly and a light module. With the mirror assembly attached at a side of a vehicle, the light module is at least in part disposed at a portion of a mirror head of the lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly that faces forward in a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The light module includes a two dimensional array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that has at least two rows of LEDs, each row of LEDs having a plurality of LEDs. With the mirror assembly attached at the vehicle, the two dimensional array of LEDs, when electrically powered, emits light at least in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The LEDs of the two dimensional array of LEDs may be controlled responsive to a turn signal of the vehicle being actuated.