Vehicular Rearview Mirror Assembly with Motor-Driven Pivot Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror systems do not efficiently integrate a display for video images captured by rearview cameras, limiting the driver's ability to view critical rearward field information without compromising the traditional mirror view.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable interior rearview mirror system with an actuator that pivots the mirror head between a mirror mode and a display mode, allowing the driver to switch between viewing the rearward field and video images displayed on a screen integrated into the mirror, using a motor-driven gear mechanism to pivot the mirror head relative to a ball pivot joint attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a display screen is integrated into the interior rearview mirror assembly, then the driver can view video images from rear cameras, but the traditional mirror viewing function may be compromised or require switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror head is made dynamically adjustable between two fixed orientations: a first orientation for traditional mirror viewing and a second orientation for display viewing. An actuator mechanism enables the mirror head to pivot between these orientations, allowing the system to adapt its function based on operational mode rather than requiring a static complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is segmented into independently adjustable components: the mirror head, the display screen, and the actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows the mirror head to be positioned independently relative to the display screen, enabling dual functionality without requiring the entire assembly to be complex or redundant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror head is made adjustable between multiple orientations, then both mirror and display modes can be achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases with actuators and pivot joints
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the mirror head in the first orientation for mirror mode, positions it in the second orientation for display mode, and maintains the mirror head's adjustable positioning capability within each mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism and ball pivot joint mounting are combined into an integrated assembly where the actuator directly interfaces with the ball pivot joint. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and connection mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while achieving the required orientation switching capability.
3Ease of operation
If the display screen is positioned to be viewable through the mirror reflective element, then the driver can see video images without changing mirror orientation, but the display visibility and mirror reflection may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic orientation switching where the mirror head is positioned in a first orientation for optimal mirror reflection viewing and a second orientation for optimal display viewing. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the interference between display brightness and mirror reflection that would occur if both tried to occupy the same spatial position simultaneously.
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
Enables seamless switching between traditional rearview functionality and video display mode, providing the driver with comprehensive rearward field visibility and critical video information without altering the driver's preferred mirror orientation, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator comprises a motor that, when actuated, rotatably drives a gear that engages the grooves on the ball element of the mirror mount, such that, when the gear rotates, the gear imparts pivotal movement of the socket element relative to the ball element.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head that is pivotally attached via a pivot joint at a mounting structure and that accommodates a reflective element. A display device is disposed within the mirror head. An actuator is disposed within the mirror head and includes an actuator base attached at a rear portion of the reflective element, an actuator body that is pivotally attached at the actuator base, and an electrically operable motor. When the motor is electrically operated, the actuator body pivots relative to the actuator base to pivot the mirror head relative to a socket element of the pivot joint. Pivotal movement of the mirror head relative to the socket element adjusts the reflective element between a mirror mode orientation and a display mode orientation. When the reflective element is in the display mode orientation, the display device is actuated to display video images.