Modular Rearview Mirror Light Module for Multi-Function Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exterior rearview mirrors for vehicles have complex designs and high manufacturing costs due to varied configurations and increased number of components, which complicates installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A modular exterior rearview device with a light module that includes a base body, lens, and interchangeable functional devices (e.g., LEDs with reflectors) that can be configured to provide different lighting functions such as daytime running, direction indicator, or spot lighting, using standardized components to simplify assembly and reduce complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different lighting functions are provided by different mirror configurations, then lighting functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting functionalityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized light module housing is designed to accommodate multiple interchangeable functional devices (different lens combinations, LED configurations, and optical elements) that can be attached and detached without replacing the entire mirror assembly. This allows one base structure to serve multiple lighting functions including daytime running lights, turn signals, and fog lights through component interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system is divided into modular functional devices that can be independently attached to or removed from the standardized housing. Each functional device contains specific optical components (lenses, reflectors, LED arrays) that can be swapped based on desired lighting functionality, eliminating the need for completely different mirror designs for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting functions are integrated into the mirror, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized light module housing is designed to accommodate multiple interchangeable functional devices (different lens combinations, LED configurations, and optical elements) that can be attached and detached without replacing the entire mirror assembly. This allows one base structure to serve multiple lighting functions including daytime running lights, turn signals, and fog lights through component interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different lighting functions are achieved by changing the optical parameters (lens focal length, LED wavelength, reflector geometry) of the interchangeable functional devices while maintaining the same housing structure. This allows manufacturers to produce a single standardized housing in high volume and then vary only the functional inserts to create different lighting configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If varied mirror configurations are used for different lighting functions, then lighting adaptability is improved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting function varietyVSAvoidinstallation set-up time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into modular functional devices that can be independently attached to or removed from the standardized housing. Each functional device contains specific optical components (lenses, reflectors, LED arrays) that can be swapped based on desired lighting functionality, eliminating the need for completely different mirror designs for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional devices are pre-configured with different optical parameters and can be stored ready for installation. When a different lighting function is needed, the appropriate pre-prepared functional device is simply attached to the standardized housing, eliminating the need for complex on-site configuration or customization during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If standardized components are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlighting function variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into modular functional devices that can be independently attached to or removed from the standardized housing. Each functional device contains specific optical components (lenses, reflectors, LED arrays) that can be swapped based on desired lighting functionality, eliminating the need for completely different mirror designs for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single standardized light module housing is designed to accommodate multiple interchangeable functional devices (different lens combinations, LED configurations, and optical elements) that can be attached and detached without replacing the entire mirror assembly. This allows one base structure to serve multiple lighting functions including daytime running lights, turn signals, and fog lights through component interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces manufacturing and installation complexity, lowers costs, and simplifies maintenance by allowing the same light module to perform multiple functions with interchangeable components, while maintaining performance and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the light source is provided in form of a LED

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the reflector of a first functional device has a reflector surface comprising at least one aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a lens attachable to the base body and a selected functional device... the lens is arranged in the cover body opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLens: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS11912200B2Exterior rearview device for automotive vehicles and kit of parts

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 MOTHERSON INNOVATIONS CO LTD

AI summary

An exterior rearview device for an automotive vehicle includes a cover body with a cover body opening where the cover covers a front part of at least one reflective means, display or camera accommodated in the cover body. The exterior rearview device also contains a light module having a base body, a lens attachable to the base body and a selected functional device selected from at least two different functional devices each of which is adapted to achieve a specific light function. The base body is attachable to the cover body such that, in an attached state, the lens is arranged in the cover body opening, and the selected functional device is attachable to the base body such that, in the attached state, light from the light module passes through the lens to fulfil the specific light function of the selected functional device.