Partial Mirror Heads-Up Display for Mobile Device Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heads-up display solutions fail to provide an effective and ergonomic way to securely mount mobile devices on vehicles, allowing drivers to view both the environment and the device's screen without reversing the image, while accommodating devices of varying sizes and ensuring a clear, non-reversed reflection.
Innovation Solution
A flexible housing with a semi-reflective partial mirror system that securely holds mobile devices of different sizes, allowing them to be tilted for optimal viewing, with the option to attach to vehicle dashboards or windshields, using a true mirror configuration to provide a non-reversed image of the device's screen alongside a view of the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile device is mounted on a vehicle dashboard using existing solutions, then the device can be secured in place, but the driver cannot view both the environment and the device screen simultaneously without image reversal
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing area is segmented into two distinct optical paths: one path reflects the device screen through a mirror to show it in correct orientation, while the other path allows direct viewing of the environment through the transparent portion of the mirror. This segmentation enables simultaneous viewing of both the environment and device screen without image reversal.
Solution Approach 2:
A partial mirror serves as an intermediary optical element that simultaneously performs two functions: reflecting the device screen display to correct orientation and allowing transmission of environmental light for direct viewing. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by mediating between the need for correct image orientation and the need for environmental visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size mounting apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate mobile devices of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus incorporates adjustable components that allow the holder position and mirror angle to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the same apparatus to accommodate mobile devices of varying sizes while maintaining proper optical alignment and secure mounting, thereby achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus is designed with universal features including an adjustable holder that can position devices of different dimensions, and a partial mirror that can be angled to accommodate various device placements. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus design to serve multiple device size requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If a transparent mirror is used to allow environmental viewing, then the driver can see through it, but the reflection of the device screen may be reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is designed with local quality variation: a partial reflective coating that provides different optical properties in different regions or at different angles. This allows the mirror to reflect the screen display in correct orientation for the driver's viewing angle while maintaining transparency for environmental viewing, thus resolving the orientation issue while preserving environmental visibility.
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
Enables drivers to safely and conveniently view both the environment and the mobile device's screen without image reversal, ensuring secure mounting and compatibility with various device sizes, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a partial mirror 3, including a semi-reflective surface with a transparency that allows for observing an environment at a first side of the partial mirror from a second opposite side of the partial mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a device including a screen; a ledge against which the device lays; a connecting arm; and a partially transparent mirror coupled to the ledge via the connecting arm, where the mirror includes a center and two outer lateral edges and is structured and arranged relative to the ledge such that the screen faces the mirror and a center of the mirror is further from the screen than each of the two outer lateral edges, a part of the mirror that is adjacent the first of the two outer lateral edges thereby reflecting a part of the screen that is opposite the second of the two outer lateral edges, and a part of the mirror that is opposite the second of the two outer lateral edges thereby reflecting a part of the screen that is opposite the first of the two outer lateral edges.