Remote Rear View Mirror Control for Unobstructed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rear view mirror assemblies in vehicles require multiple adjustments, causing the user's hand and arm to obstruct their line of sight, making it time-consuming and a safety concern as drivers must repeatedly adjust the mirror while driving.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled rear view mirror system using a joystick or track ball for directional control, allowing the mirror to move up, down, and side to side, enabling adjustments without physically obstructing the view, with motors controlled by electronics and computer coding for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the rear view mirror is used, then the mirror can be adjusted to the desired position, but the user's hand and arm obstruct the line of sight requiring multiple adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electronic control system. A joystick or trackball controller sends electrical signals to motors that automatically position the mirror, eliminating the need for manual hand adjustment and allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel while making adjustments quickly without obstructing their view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control device (joystick or trackball) that mediates between the driver's intent and the mirror's movement. This intermediary allows the driver to make adjustments without physically touching or blocking the mirror, enabling remote control of the mirror's position while maintaining an unobstructed line of sight.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the rear view mirror is used, then the mirror can be repositioned, but the driver must take eyes off the road repeatedly creating safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mirror adjustment with an automated electronic system controlled by a joystick or trackball. This allows the driver to make mirror adjustments quickly using minimal eye movement while keeping hands on the wheel, reducing the frequency and duration of distractions and improving overall driving safety through more reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary control device enables the driver to adjust the mirror without directly touching it, allowing adjustments to be made with brief glances rather than sustained visual attention. This mediator reduces the safety risk by minimizing the time the driver's eyes are off the road while still achieving the desired mirror position.
3Measurement precision
If multiple mirror adjustments are made, then the correct viewing position is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual trial-and-error adjustment with precision electronic control. The joystick or trackball provides fine control over mirror movement, allowing the driver to achieve the exact desired viewing position in fewer steps. The electronic motors can make precise incremental adjustments, reducing the number of adjustment cycles needed compared to manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control intermediary (joystick or trackball) provides a more efficient interface for mirror positioning than direct manual adjustment. It allows for smoother, more controlled movements and can be operated with minimal visual attention, increasing the speed and efficiency of achieving the correct mirror position while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear view mirror having one motor rotating the viewing angle of the mirror about the vertical axis and one motor rotating the viewing angle of the mirror about the horizontal axis, both motors working in unison to provide a multitude of viewing angles for the user, the motors controlled by user requests by way of manually adjusting a trackball or joystick type controller, creating a safer driving experience by removing the need to have one's hand between the users eyes and the mirror while driving.