Rearview Mirror Video Display Backlight for Low-Load Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirrors lack the ability to seamlessly integrate video display functionality without compromising structural integrity or visibility, and existing video display technologies in mirrors often require multiple light sources, increasing electrical and thermal loads.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly with a video display screen integrated behind the mirror reflective element, utilizing a backlight assembly with a light guide and reflectors to provide uniform illumination, reducing the need for additional light sources and enhancing structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a video display screen is integrated behind the mirror reflective element, then video display functionality is achieved, but structural integrity and visibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The video display screen is nested behind the mirror reflective element within the mirror housing, allowing the display to be integrated into the existing mirror structure without compromising its structural integrity. The screen is positioned in a recessed area that does not interfere with the mirror's structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen is positioned in the depth dimension of the mirror assembly rather than expanding the mirror's surface area, allowing video display functionality to be added without affecting the mirror's structural integrity or visible surface area.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used for video display illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but electrical and thermal loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mirror, houses the video display screen, and acts as a light guide to distribute illumination uniformly across the display. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate illumination structures and reduces overall electrical load.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror housing's reflective interior surface automatically serves as a light guide, utilizing its inherent reflective properties to distribute light uniformly across the display screen without requiring additional light guiding components or increased illumination intensity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the video display screen is positioned behind the mirror reflective element, then seamless integration is achieved, but light distribution uniformity becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror housing is designed to serve as both a structural enclosure and a light guide, using its reflective interior surface to automatically distribute light uniformly across the display screen. This eliminates the need for separate light guiding components and simplifies the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective properties of the mirror housing interior surface are optimized to achieve uniform light distribution across the display screen. By controlling the reflectivity and geometric parameters of the housing interior, uniform illumination is achieved without requiring additional optical components.
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
The solution allows for a seamless transition between mirror and display modes, maintaining structural integrity while minimizing electrical and thermal loads, and providing high-quality video image visibility across a significant portion of the reflective area.
Implementation Method 1
The backlight assembly includes a reflector that reflects light incident at the backlight assembly and a light guide that directs or guides the reflected light toward the LCD video display screen
Implementation Method 2
The video display screen includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) video display screen
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head that is adjustable relative to a mounting base and that includes a mirror head that accommodates a mirror reflective element and a video display screen disposed behind the mirror reflective element. The mirror assembly is operable in a mirror state where the display screen is not operated and the mirror reflective element provides a rearward view for the driver and is operable in a display state where the display screen is operated to display video images viewable through the mirror reflective element. The display screen includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a backlight assembly that includes a reflector and a light guide. In the display state, the reflector reflects light incident at the backlight assembly and the light guide guides the reflected light toward the LCD to at least partially backlight the LCD.