Rear View Device Head Section with Integrated Chromium Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear view devices for motor vehicles are complex, expensive to manufacture, and fail to provide a full and expansive field of view, especially when exposed to the outside environment, leading to issues with dirt and debris entry and limited visibility of blind spots.
Innovation Solution
A compact and easy-to-manufacture head section for rear view devices, where the second rear view means is integrated as a single-piece component on the lid section with a chromium-based reflective coating, and the housing and lid sections tightly seal the hollow area, allowing for an electronic unit to be placed without its own housing, reducing component count and enhancing protection against environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional rear view devices use multiple separate components and assembly parts, then they can provide basic rear view functionality, but they become complicated and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid section and the second rear view means into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate assembly parts. The chromium-based reflective coating is applied directly to the lid section, merging the structural and optical functions into one piece, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid section serves multiple functions: it provides structural coverage for the housing section, acts as a mounting surface for the second rear view means, and contains the chromium-based reflective coating to provide reflective functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the device.
2Reliability
If rear view means are exposed to the outside environment, then they can provide viewing functionality, but dirt or debris can enter within the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The chromium-based reflective coating on the lid section acts as a protective thin film that seals the interface between the housing section and lid section. This coating prevents dirt and debris from entering the hollow area while maintaining the structural integrity and optical functionality of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of the polymeric lid section material with the chromium-based reflective coating creates a composite structure that provides both mechanical protection and environmental sealing. The coating layer fills and seals potential gaps at the interface, preventing contaminant ingress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rear view means use traditional protective housings, then they can protect components, but they fail to provide a full and expansive field of view including wide angle view
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the second rear view means directly into the lid section with the chromium-based reflective coating, the design eliminates the need for traditional protective housings that would obstruct the field of view. The reflective coating itself provides both protection and optical functionality, enabling an expansive viewing angle including blind spot coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The chromium-based reflective coating is applied specifically in the region of the combined component to provide localized reflective functionality and environmental protection. This localized approach maintains transparency and viewing capability in critical areas while providing protection where needed.
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective rear view device with improved protection against environmental factors and a wider field of view, including enhanced visibility of blind spots through the integrated reflective element, while reducing the number of components and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the lid section includes a polymeric substrate, which is coated with a chromium-based reflective coating in the region of the combined, single-piece component for providing the second rear view means in form of a reflective element
Data Source
AI summary
A head section for a rear view device for a motor vehicle includes a casing means including at least one housing section and a lid section arranged on a side of the housing section which faces away from a driving direction of the motor vehicle, at least one electronic unit arranged in a hollow area formed between the housing section and the lid section, a first rear view means for displaying an area of the motor vehicle, and a second rear view means for displaying a second area of the motor vehicle, where the second rear view means is arranged on the lid section, with the lid section and the second rear view means includes a combined, single-piece component, and where the lid section includes a polymeric substrate, which is coated with a chromium-based reflective coating.