Polygonal Mirror with Chamfered Edges to Reduce Chipping and Fogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mirrors are prone to chipping when dropped due to their glass composition, and existing solutions do not adequately address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A mirror design featuring a polygonal shape with chamfered edges and an antifog layer made of a water absorbent resin, which is chemically bonded to the glass and has a cross-linked structure for enhanced durability and shatterproof performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mirror is made with a glass plate, then it can reflect images effectively, but it becomes prone to chipping when dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral edge face is divided into multiple first end faces and second end faces, creating a segmented structure that distributes stress and prevents single-point failure. The chamfered portions further segment the edge geometry to reduce stress concentration at corners.
Solution Approach 2:
The antifog layer with cross-linked structure is applied in advance to the glass surface, creating a protective cushioning layer that absorbs impact energy before it reaches the glass, preventing chipping during drops.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an antifog layer is applied to the mirror surface, then antifog performance is improved, but the layer may peel off during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The antifog layer undergoes chemical cross-linking to change its physical parameters, transforming from a soft, flexible layer to a hardened, rigid structure with improved adhesion strength and impact resistance while maintaining antifog properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror structure becomes a composite material system combining the glass substrate with the cross-linked antifog layer, where each material contributes its unique properties - the glass provides structural integrity and the cross-linked layer provides adhesion and impact resistance.
3Reliability
If the peripheral edge face is chamfered, then chip resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered portions create angled, curved transitions at the peripheral edges instead of sharp 90-degree corners, distributing stress more evenly and preventing stress concentration that leads to chipping.
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 mirror is less likely to chip upon dropping and exhibits improved antifog properties, preventing glass fragments from scattering and reducing the formation of dew, thus enhancing its durability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the antifog layer has antifog performance as a result of being hydrophilic
Implementation Method 2
the antifog layer further has antifog performance as a result of having a water absorbing property
Implementation Method 3
the antifog layer has a cross-linked structure formed by a hydrolyzable metallic compound
Implementation Method 4
the hydrolyzable metallic compound is made of silicon alkoxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a mirror main body formed in a polygonal shape in a plan view and having a first main face that reflects an image, a second main face that is opposite to the first main face, and a peripheral edge face that connects the first main face and the second main face to each other, in which the peripheral edge face includes a plurality of first end faces and a second end face that connects the adjacent first end faces, and the second end face constitutes a first chamfered portion formed at an outer edge of the mirror main body in a plan view.