Vehicle Rear Mirror Direction-Indicator Pattern Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear mirrors do not effectively alert drivers of approaching vehicles when a direction-indicator lamp is activated, as the flashing may not be noticeable to oncoming drivers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle rear mirror device with a mirror casing, mounting plate, mirror, frame, light emitting members, and light guiding member, where light emitting members are positioned to create a direction-indicating pattern on the mirror, guiding light beams through light-transmissive zones to illuminate the pattern when the direction-indicator lamp is switched on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a direction-indicator lamp is activated to alert approaching drivers, then the visibility of the turn signal is improved, but the lamp may still not be noticeable to drivers of sidewise-approaching vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the direction-indicator signal from a traditional lateral flashing lamp to a vertical illumination pattern on the rear mirror. By projecting light beams through light-transmissive zones arranged in a vertical direction on the mirror surface, the signal becomes visible to approaching drivers in a different spatial dimension, solving the problem of invisibility to sidewise-approaching vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guiding member as an intermediary component that receives light from the light emitting members and directs it through the light-transmissive zones on the mirror. This intermediary structure enables the transformation and redirection of light to achieve the desired vertical illumination pattern on the mirror surface, making the signal visible to approaching drivers.
2Reliability
If light emitting members are added to create a direction-indicating pattern, then the warning capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the rear mirror assembly: the mirror structure serves as both the reflective surface for rear-view and the display surface for the direction-indicating pattern. The light-transmissive zones are incorporated into the existing mirror rather than being separate components, and the light guiding member is integrated within the mirror assembly. This multi-functionality approach improves warning capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
Ensures that drivers of approaching vehicles are alerted to lane changes or turns by illuminating a visible direction-indicating pattern on the rear mirror, enhancing driving safety.
Implementation Method 1
The light guiding member includes a main body portion which has a rearward surface and a forward surface, and a plurality of light guiding portions which are formed on the forward surface in positions corresponding to the light emitting members so as to guide light beams from each of the light emitting members to a respective one of the light-transmissive zones, thereby illuminating the direction-indicating pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle rear mirror device includes a mounting plate, a mirror, a frame, a plurality of light emitting members, and a light guiding member. In response to a switch-on of a direction-indicator lamp, the light emitting members emit light to illuminate a direction-indicating pattern on the mirror to thereby warn a driver of a sidewise-approaching vehicle.