Modular Rearview Housing With Transparent Light Module Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview devices for vehicles face challenges in modular design and durability, particularly with external light modules where water can enter the housing, causing humidity issues that affect the longevity of electrical components.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an at least partially transparent element within the housing of the rearview device, which serves as a module to house and mechanically couple the light producing device or camera device, allowing for efficient light guidance and reducing the need for external optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external light modules are used in rearview devices, then lighting functions can be provided, but water can enter the housing causing humidity issues that affect the longevity of electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The light module is nested within the housing structure, with the transparent element serving as both a protective cover and an optical component. The light module is integrated into the housing cavity, allowing the light to exit through the transparent element while keeping the electrical components protected inside the housing, thus preventing water ingress while maintaining lighting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent element acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the internal electrical components. It allows light to pass through while providing a protective barrier against water and humidity, thus enabling the lighting function to operate reliably without exposing the electrical components to moisture
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized optical elements are used across different vehicle designs, then production costs are reduced, but the need for customization for individual vehicle designs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent element is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the housing, serves as an optical element for the light module, and can be customized in shape and size to fit different vehicle designs. This universal design allows the same basic component to be adapted across various vehicle models, reducing production costs while maintaining design flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The rearview device is segmented into modular components: the housing, the transparent element, and the light module. This segmentation allows the standardized light module and housing to be combined with differently shaped transparent elements tailored to specific vehicle designs, thus achieving both cost efficiency through standardization and adaptability through customization
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
This solution enables a modular and durable rearview device design, allowing each car manufacturer to tailor the transparent element for individual vehicle designs while using standardized optical elements, thus reducing production costs and enhancing durability by minimizing humidity ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the light producing device having a surface via which light exits the light producing device is arranged in such a manner that the exiting light is guided through the at least partially transparent element to the outer exit surface
Data Source
AI summary
An external rearview device for a motor vehicle includes a housing, and one or more of at least one light emitting or a receiving device, including one or more of at least one light producing device or at least one camera device arranged within the housing, and at least one at least partially transparent element closing an opening provided by the housing, the at least partially transparent element being provided in form of a first module attached to the housing, and the one or more of the light producing device or the camera device being provided in form of a second module attached to the first module, the first module and the second module being mechanically releasably coupled.