Rearview Assembly Bezel Conceals Wiring and Structural Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview assemblies for vehicles often have bulky designs that can cause user fatigue and are not aesthetically pleasing, with visible wire harnesses and structural elements that detract from a seamless appearance.
Innovation Solution
A rearview assembly design incorporating an electrochromic element with a bezel that extends around a larger rear substrate, creating a peripheral step and a smooth transition to the housing, along with a bezel that conceals wire connections and structural elements, providing a thin and lightweight profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional rearview assembly design is used, then structural elements and wire harnesses are visible, but the assembly appears bulky and detracts from aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes visible structural elements and wire harnesses from the front view of the rearview assembly. The wire connections are routed through hidden channels within the housing, and structural support elements are positioned behind the optical assembly, making them invisible from the front while maintaining their structural function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing wire harnesses, circuit boards, and structural support elements within the internal cavities of the housing structure. The electrical connections are nested within channels formed in the housing, and the circuit board is mounted in a recessed area, creating a compact nested arrangement that eliminates external visibility of these components.
2Ease of operation
If a bulky design is used, then structural support is adequate, but user fatigue increases and graspability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled housing structures and slender mounting brackets that provide adequate structural support while minimizing mass. The housing uses optimized rib structures and hollow sections that maintain rigidity with reduced material quantity, and the mounting bracket features a thin profile with strategic reinforcement rather than bulky construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rearview assembly into modular components including a separate optical assembly, housing, mounting bracket, and electrical connection components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining its specific function, and enables compact arrangement of components to reduce overall assembly mass.
3Shape
If wire harnesses and structural elements are exposed, then assembly is simple, but aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire harness routing with the housing structure itself by forming channels and pathways directly within the housing walls. The electrical connections are integrated into the housing design rather than being separate external components, and structural support elements are combined with the housing formation process, creating a unified seamless appearance while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
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 design results in a more graspable, lightweight rearview assembly that minimizes user fatigue and offers a sleek, aesthetically pleasing appearance by hiding structural elements and wire connections, enhancing the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochromic material is disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview assembly having an electrochromic element. A front substrate defines a first surface and a second surface. A front side edge is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. A rear substrate is operably coupled with the front substrate and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. The rear substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A rear side edge is disposed between the third surface and the fourth surface. A perimeter of the rear substrate is larger than a perimeter of the front substrate, such that an outer portion of the third surface is exposed, thereby defining a peripheral step between the front side edge and the rear side edge. An electrochromic material is disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A bezel is configured to extend around the rear substrate, over the outer portion of the third surface.