Rearview Head Assembly With Integrated Blind-Spot Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 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, as they are prone to dirt and debris entry and do not offer a wide angle view to address the driver's blind spot effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact and easy-to-manufacture head section for rear view devices is designed with a second rear view means integrated into a single-piece component on the lid section, featuring a polymeric substrate coated with a chromium-based reflective coating, which forms a combined reflective element, and includes a bezel section with a different coating, providing enhanced protection and a wider field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If rear view means are exposed to the outside environment to provide wide angle view, then field of view is improved, but dirt and debris entry occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The rear view means is nested within a housing structure that includes a front surface and a rear surface defining an internal cavity. The housing protects the rear view means from environmental exposure while maintaining optical functionality through strategically positioned openings.
Solution Approach 2:
A dust cover is positioned at the front surface of the housing to seal the opening, creating a protective barrier that prevents dirt and debris entry while allowing the rear view means to remain enclosed and protected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in rear view devices, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is formed as a single integrated component that combines multiple functional elements including the front surface, rear surface, internal cavity structure, and mounting features. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts while maintaining all necessary functionalities for protection, optics, and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides environmental protection, defines the optical path, houses mounting mechanisms, and supports the rear view means, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If traditional mirror structures are used, then protection from environment is improved, but field of view and blind spot coverage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rear view means incorporates a convex or aspheric optical surface that utilizes curved geometry to expand the field of view in multiple dimensions. This dimensional approach to optical design allows comprehensive blind spot coverage while the housing maintains environmental protection.
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 results in a compact, durable, and cost-effective rear view device design that effectively seals the electronic unit from the outside environment, reducing the number of components and enhancing the field of view by integrating the second rear view means into the lid section, thus addressing the limitations of existing devices.
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
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview device for a motor vehicle includes a moveable head assembly, an actuator assembly having a fixed part and a moveable part, the moveable part being attached to the head assembly, a motor cradle configured to attach the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly. A method of assembling a rearview device comprises providing the rearview device and attaching the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly using the motor cradle.