Rear View Mirror Optical Indicator Wedge Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind spot detection systems for vehicles fail to effectively direct light indicators to the driver's line of sight in a cost-efficient manner, making it difficult for drivers to perceive alerts without turning their head.
Innovation Solution
A side rear view mirror assembly with a blind spot sensor and an integrated optical indicator featuring a wedge-shaped light guide and LED, positioned on a movable backing plate that adjusts with the mirror glass, allowing light to shine through the mirror glass and direct alerts to the driver's peripheral vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a blind spot indicator is mounted behind mirror glass to shine through the reflective surface, then the indicator can be integrated into the mirror assembly, but the light direction to driver's eyes is insufficient and the design becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the blind spot indicator and the driver's field of view. The reflector is positioned at a 45-degree angle to redirect light from the indicator (which shines through the mirror glass) toward the driver's eyes, solving the problem of insufficient light direction while maintaining the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the light path from a direct linear path (perpendicular to mirror glass) to an angled path using the 45-degree reflector. This dimensional change in light direction allows the indicator to be positioned behind the mirror glass while still effectively illuminating the driver's field of view
2Illumination intensity
If additional components like reflectors are added to direct light to the driver, then light direction improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is positioned and angled to serve multiple functions: it directs light from the blind spot indicator to the driver's eyes, and its placement at 45 degrees also optimizes the viewing angle for the indicator itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate 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 provides a cost-effective and efficient means to alert drivers of objects in their blind spots without the need for additional reflectors, ensuring the light indicator is always visible within the driver's field of view, enhancing safety by reducing the need for head turns to check blind spots.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator is structured with at least one light source and a light guide designed as a wedge and forming a tray
Implementation Method 2
allowing light to shine through the mirror glass and direct alerts to the driver's peripheral vision
Data Source
AI summary
A rear view mirror assembly is proposes having at least a mirror base and a mirror head covering a mirror glass (54) mounted into the mirror head and an optical alert indicator (62) that produces light in reaction to a sensor signal to inform operator (28) about hazardous information and the light shines through the mirror glass (54). The mirror glass (54) is mounted to a backing plate (52) that has a mounting surface (53) for at least one LED (64) and at least one light guide structure that can be a wedged light guide or a light guide pin.