Rearview Mirror Touch Sensor Backlighting Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror assemblies lack intuitive user input mechanisms that allow for easy control of telematics features, such as hands-free telephone functions, and do not provide clear visual feedback for user input activation.
Innovation Solution
An interior rearview mirror assembly with touch or proximity sensors integrated behind the reflective element, utilizing a backlit touch sensor with electrically conductive traces on a transparent substrate to sense finger presence and backlight icons for visual confirmation of input activation, along with pivotable exterior mirror assemblies for adjusting the rearward field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch or proximity sensors are integrated behind the reflective element with backlighting, then user interaction with telematics systems is enhanced through tactile and visual feedback, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the mirror assembly: the reflective element serves both as a traditional mirror and as a substrate for integrating touch/proximity sensors and backlighting components behind it. This merging allows user interaction enhancement without adding separate control devices, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional rearview reflection, touch input detection, proximity sensing, and visual feedback through backlighting. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, improving user interaction while the integrated design helps manage overall system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If electrically conductive traces are established on a transparent substrate to allow light passage, then visual feedback through icon backlighting is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent substrate features electrically conductive traces with locally varied properties: certain regions have continuous traces for electrical connectivity, while other regions have patterned or interrupted traces that allow light passage for icon backlighting. This local differentiation enables both electrical functionality and visual feedback, achieving illumination intensity while managing manufacturing precision through spatially varying trace characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If exterior mirror assemblies are made pivotable for adjusting rearward field of view, then rearview visibility is improved, but device complexity and potential reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior mirror assemblies are designed with pivotable joints that enable dynamic adjustment of the mirror head position relative to the mirror base. This dynamic capability allows drivers to adjust the rearward field of view as needed, improving ease of operation. The pivot mechanism is designed with appropriate tolerances and robust construction to maintain reliability while enabling the required rotational movement.
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 user interaction with telematics systems by providing tactile and visual feedback for input activation and improves rearview visibility through adjustable mirror positioning, ensuring safer and more intuitive vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
light emanating from the backlighting device or element to pass through the sensor for backlighting an icon established in front of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The touch sensor is substantially light transmissive at least at the touch sensing element
Implementation Method 3
touch or proximity sensors integrated behind the reflective element, utilizing a backlit touch sensor with electrically conductive traces on a transparent substrate to sense finger presence
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting arm and a mirror head at one end of the mounting arm distal from an attachment portion of the mounting arm that is configured for attachment at a vehicle. A mirror reflective element is fixedly attached at the mirror head. An innermost side of the mirror reflective element is attached at a front side of an attachment plate. The mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head relative to the mounting arm when the driver of the vehicle operates an electrically-operable actuator. The attachment plate includes wall structure that extends from the front side of the attachment plate and circumscribes and spans the perimeter circumferential edge of the glass substrate and does not encroach onto and does not overlap the front surface of the glass substrate of the exterior mirror reflective element.