Rearview Mirror Optical Wedge Assembly for Uniform Driver Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirror assemblies lack an effective driver monitoring system that can redirect and spread illumination efficiently towards an occupant position in an automobile.
Innovation Solution
A rearview mirror assembly with a housing, a printed circuit board, an image capturing module, an illumination source connected to the PCB, and an optical element aligned with the illumination source. The optical element, featuring a plurality of wedges extending to an apex, is configured to redirect and spread the illumination towards the occupant position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional illumination source is used without an optical element, then the structure is simple, but the illumination is not uniformly distributed towards the occupant position
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple discrete wedges arranged in a circular pattern. Each wedge acts as an independent light redirecting unit with a specific angular orientation, segmenting the illumination function into multiple directional components that collectively achieve uniform 360-degree coverage towards the occupant position
Solution Approach 2:
The wedges are arranged in a circular configuration around the illumination source, transitioning from linear illumination distribution to radial three-dimensional illumination. This circular arrangement in the horizontal plane creates uniform illumination coverage in all directions around the driver's head position
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wedges are used to spread illumination, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each wedge is designed with a specific local optical property (refractive index and angular orientation) tailored to redirect light in a particular direction. The wedges have different orientations around the circle, with each wedge's geometry optimized for its specific angular position, creating locally optimized illumination that collectively achieves global uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element can be constructed using multiple wedge-shaped components made from transparent materials with appropriate refractive indices. These individual wedge elements are assembled together to form a composite optical structure that achieves the desired illumination distribution through the combined effect of multiple material interfaces
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 enables effective driver monitoring by ensuring uniform illumination and clear imaging of the occupant position, enhancing safety and monitoring capabilities within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element aligned with the illumination source that includes a plurality of wedges each extending to an apex. The plurality of wedges is configured to redirect and spread an illumination from the illumination source
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview mirror assembly that includes a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a monitoring system that includes an image capturing module, an illumination source connected to the PCB, and an optical element aligned with the illumination source. The optical element is configured to redirect an illumination from the illumination source toward an occupant position in an automobile.