Rear Backup Sideview Mirror Assembly with Convex Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
When reversing a vehicle, drivers often lack a clear view of oncoming traffic due to obstruction by adjacent vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly in tight spaces like parking lots.
Innovation Solution
A rear backup sideview mirror assembly utilizing convex mirrors, which provides a wider perspective and adjustable attachments to the vehicle, allowing drivers to see lateral views from both the driver's and passenger's sides, as well as a downward view behind the vehicle, when used in conjunction with existing rearview, driver's sideview, or passenger's sideview mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a flat mirror is used in the rear backup sideview mirror assembly, then the mirror provides a direct reflection view, but the field of view is limited and cannot capture lateral views of oncoming traffic effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies convex mirrors with curved surfaces instead of flat mirrors in the rear backup sideview mirror assembly. The curvature of the convex mirrors expands the field of view to capture lateral views of oncoming traffic from both the driver's and passenger's sides, as well as downward views behind the vehicle, resolving the limitation of flat mirrors while maintaining manageable device complexity through standard optical component design
2Ease of operation
If the mirror assembly is fixed to the vehicle, then the mirror position is stable, but the mirror cannot be adjusted to optimize viewing angles for different driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the mirror assembly to be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization of viewing angles for various driving conditions such as reversing in tight spaces or parking lots, while the adjustment mechanism remains relatively simple through the use of movable mounts rather than complex mechanical systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single mirror is used, then the device is simple and easy to install, but it cannot provide both lateral views of oncoming traffic and downward views behind the vehicle simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the viewing function into multiple convex mirrors within a single assembly, with each mirror oriented to capture specific directions (lateral views from driver's and passenger's sides, and downward views behind the vehicle). This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive multi-directional coverage while keeping each individual mirror component simple and the overall assembly integrated for relatively easy installation
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
Enhances visibility of oncoming traffic and objects behind the vehicle, reducing the risk of accidents by offering a broader and enlarged view that would not be possible with flat mirrors, thus improving safety during reverse operations.
Implementation Method 1
A rear backup sideview mirror assembly utilizing convex mirrors, which provides a wider perspective
Data Source
AI summary
A rear backup sideview mirror assembly to be used in conjunction with a vehicle's interior rearview mirrors to view other motor vehicles moving in a side to lateral direction. The rearview mirror assembly, located on the rear of the vehicle that allows the user to see laterally away from the vehicle in both directions for oncoming obstructions and down behind the vehicle in order to observe objects that may not appear in the rearview mirror but are behind the vehicle.