Rearview Mirror Assembly With Integrated NFC Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles lack an efficient method for facilitating payment processing, particularly in taxis and livery vehicles, where metering systems need to calculate and collect fees, taxes, and tips in a user-friendly manner.
Innovation Solution
A rearview mirror assembly with a built-in NFC antenna module that allows for direct communication with NFC-enabled devices, enabling passengers to make payments by positioning their device near the mirror, which integrates with the vehicle's control module to process transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rearview mirror assembly is equipped with a built-in NFC antenna module for payment processing, then payment convenience and user experience are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the NFC antenna module with the rearview mirror assembly, integrating payment functionality into an existing vehicle component. The antenna is positioned within the mirror housing and electrically connected to the control module, allowing the mirror to serve dual purposes: traditional rearview function and contactless payment processing, thereby improving convenience without adding separate hardware
2Device complexity
If the antenna is integrated within the housing of the rearview mirror assembly, then the payment system becomes more compact and aesthetically pleasing, but the antenna size and signal reception capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC antenna module is nested within the housing of the rearview mirror assembly. The antenna is positioned in the interior space of the housing and surrounded by structural elements, creating a compact integrated unit that maintains aesthetic appearance while providing payment functionality through the housing structure
3Productivity
If the rearview mirror assembly is used as a stand-alone metering and payment module, then installation simplicity and productivity are improved, but the functionality and reliability for payment processing may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rearview mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional rearview observation, metering system operations for fare calculation, and contactless payment processing through the integrated NFC antenna. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate systems, simplifying installation while maintaining comprehensive functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
A rearview mirror assembly includes a main housing defining an interior surface, an interior cavity at least partially bounded by the interior surface, and an open side. The assembly further includes a control module coupled within the interior of the main housing, a mirror coupled over the open side of the main housing, and an antenna electrically coupled with the control module and positioned within the interior cavity of the main housing.