Integrated Overhead Console and Mirror Assembly With Shared ECU

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle interior systems face complications due to separate and discrete components for overhead consoles and interior rearview mirrors, leading to increased costs, complex assembly, and reduced driver usability and effectiveness of integrated systems.

Innovation Solution

A vehicular accessory system that integrates an overhead console module with an interior rearview mirror assembly, sharing a common electronic control unit (ECU) to reduce components and enhance functionality, allowing for adjustable mirror elements and ambient lighting, while incorporating sensors and user interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate and discrete components are used for overhead consoles and interior rearview mirrors, then each component can be independently designed and manufactured, but the overall system complexity increases, assembly becomes more complex, and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent component manufacturingVSAvoidSystem assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the overhead console and interior rearview mirror into a single integrated assembly where the mirror housing is formed as part of the overhead console structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and reduces the number of discrete components, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining independent manufacturability of the integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated overhead console-mirror assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the rearview mirror function, overhead console storage, and ambient lighting. By combining these functions into a single structure, the design reduces overall system complexity and assembly steps while maintaining the ability to manufacture the multi-functional unit independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate electronic control units are used for overhead console and interior rearview mirror, then each system can be independently controlled, but the number of electronic components increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent system controlVSAvoidNumber of electronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the electronic control functions for both the overhead console and interior rearview mirror into a single shared electronic control unit. This consolidation reduces the total number of electronic components and associated wiring harnesses, lowering costs while maintaining the ability to independently control each function through software management within the unified control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple discrete mounting components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveComponent function optimizationVSAvoidAssembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the mounting structure directly into the overhead console housing, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and fasteners. This integration maintains the structural optimization needed for reliable mounting while significantly reducing the number of assembly steps and improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration reduces costs, simplifies assembly, enhances system effectiveness, and improves driver usability by consolidating controls and reducing the number of electronic components, while providing enhanced lighting and sensor capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The mirror head includes a variably reflectance electro-optic mirror reflective element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

The overhead console module may include a portion that extends along and is spaced from an upper interior surface (such as a headliner) of the vehicle and includes a light source operable to illuminate the interior surface of the vehicle for an ambient lighting function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12528417B2Vehicular overhead console integrated with interior mirror and electronic content

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 MAGNA MIRRORS HLDG

AI summary

A vehicular accessory system includes an overhead console module having (i) a primary portion configured to attach at an interior portion of a vehicle, and (ii) a secondary portion that, with the primary portion attached at the interior portion of the vehicle, extends from the primary portion. The secondary portion extends along an interior surface of the vehicle and is spaced from and disposed below the interior surface of the vehicle. An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head that includes a mirror reflective element and that is adjustably mounted at the overhead console module via a mounting structure. An electronic control unit (ECU) is disposed at the overhead console module and includes electronic circuitry and associated software. The ECU is operable to control a system of the vehicle and an electronic accessory of the interior rearview mirror assembly.