Exterior Mirror Turn Indicator Protection via Lens Mask Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The side turn indicator in exterior mirror assemblies is prone to damage when the exterior mirror collides with obstacles, leading to increased replacement frequencies due to its exposed position.
Innovation Solution
The side turn indicator is positioned inside the outermost portion of the housing with a lens mask that extends inward and features a projection, allowing it to be protected from collisions while maintaining desirable light distribution and visibility, and the light sources are arranged vertically to simplify structure and increase spatial efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the side turn indicator is attached to the outermost portion of the housing, then visibility and light distribution are improved, but the side turn indicator becomes susceptible to damage during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light member in the depth direction (front-rear dimension) rather than only in the width direction. By placing the light member inside the outermost portion with a certain distance from the outer surface, it creates a three-dimensional arrangement that protects the light member from lateral collisions while maintaining light distribution performance through the lens mask design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens mask serves as an intermediary element between the light member and the outer environment. It extends to the outermost portion of the housing, providing structural protection to the light member while simultaneously performing the light distribution function. The projection on the lens mask further mediates between protection and light distribution by refracting light in specific directions.
2Reliability
If the light member is positioned inside the outermost portion of the housing, then damage resistance is improved, but visibility and light distribution may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mask acts as an intermediary that extends from the light member to the outermost portion of the housing. This intermediary structure transmits and distributes light effectively while providing protective coverage, ensuring that the light member's retracted position does not compromise illumination performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens mask features an asymmetric projection that is positioned apart from the outermost portion. This asymmetric design allows the projection to refract light in specific directions (particularly backward and outward) to enhance visibility, while the overall lens mask shape maintains smooth continuation to the outermost portion for protection.
3Volume of moving object
If the projection is positioned close to the outermost portion, then structural compactness is improved, but flexibility in light distribution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is pre-positioned at an optimal distance from the outermost portion during the design phase. This preliminary positioning allows the projection to effectively refract light in desired directions while maintaining adequate space for light distribution flexibility. The distance is carefully predetermined to balance compactness and functional versatility.
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 configuration prevents damage to the side turn indicator during collisions, enhances visibility and light distribution, and allows for a more compact housing design, increasing driver visibility and reducing the need for complex light source adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
one of the light sources not only orients a pointing direction more backward than the other one, but also aligns the pointing direction with the projection... it is possible to increase the light distribution as viewed from rear due to the pointing direction and refraction caused by the projection
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior mirror assembly includes a mirror member, a housing and a light member. The mirror member is supported in the housing. The light member is attached to the housing to radiate light, having a luminous body and a lens mask configured to cover the luminous body. The housing has an outermost portion which lies outwardly furthest with respect to a width direction of a vehicle. The light member is disposed inside of the outermost portion with respect to a width direction of the vehicle and the lens mask is formed so that its shape smoothly continues to the outermost portion. A projection is formed on the lens mask so that a surface of the projection is inside of the outermost portion with respect to a width direction of the vehicle.