Interior Rearview Mirror Assembly With Prismatic Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the viewing angle and reducing glare, particularly in nighttime conditions, and often require complex assembly processes with multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
The interior rearview mirror assembly incorporates a toggle mechanism attached to the mirror casing, allowing the prismatic reflective element to pivot between daytime and nighttime positions, and features a transparent mirror frame with a patterned surface for improved light reflection and refracting, along with a mounting assembly for adjustable mounting within the vehicle, optionally including a light-emitting illumination source for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional interior rearview mirror assembly is used, then the mirror provides basic reflective functionality, but it lacks effective glare reduction in nighttime conditions and requires complex assembly processes with multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the daytime and nighttime reflective elements into a single integrated mirror assembly structure. The prismatic reflective element is positioned within the mirror casing to work in conjunction with the reflective coating, creating a unified system that provides both daytime visibility and nighttime glare reduction without requiring separate mirror units or complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides daytime reflection, nighttime glare reduction, and adjustable viewing angles. The toggle mechanism enables the mirror to switch between different reflective modes, while the adjustable mounting allows optimization of the viewing angle, making the single assembly versatile for various driving conditions.
2Reliability
If a prismatic reflective element with toggle mechanism is added for glare reduction, then nighttime visibility improves, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The prismatic reflective element is nested within the mirror casing structure. The toggle mechanism is integrated into the existing mirror assembly components, with the toggle lever positioned to interact with the prismatic element while remaining part of the overall casing assembly. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to coexist within a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the mirror casing, the prismatic reflective element, the reflective coating, and the toggle mechanism. Each component is designed to perform a specific function, and they are assembled in a modular fashion that simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining the effectiveness of each element.
3Ease of operation
If the mirror head is made adjustable for viewing angle optimization, then driver comfort improves, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror head is designed with adjustable mounting features that allow it to be positioned at different angles relative to the vehicle interior. The mounting structure includes adjustable arms or pivots that enable the mirror head to be oriented optimally for the driver's viewing angle, providing dynamic adjustability rather than a fixed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with asymmetric adjustment capabilities, allowing the mirror head to be positioned at non-uniform angles to accommodate the driver's seating position and viewing requirements. The adjustment mechanism permits independent positioning in multiple directions, creating an asymmetric but optimized viewing configuration.
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 provides a simplified assembly process with reduced parts, improved glare reduction in nighttime driving, and enhanced visibility through adjustable viewing angles and illuminated patterns, enhancing driver comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The patterned front surface includes a pattern of grooves to allow air between the adhesive and the patterned front surface to escape when the reflective element is attached
Implementation Method 2
The patterned front surface includes light-refracting or light-reflecting channels
Implementation Method 3
The patterned front surface includes light-refracting or light-reflecting channels
Implementation Method 4
The patterned front surface may be patterned to reflect and refract light emitted by the illumination source
Implementation Method 5
The patterned front surface may be patterned to reflect and refract light emitted by the illumination source
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes providing a mirror mount and a mirror head. The mirror head includes a transparent mirror frame and a mirror reflective element accommodated at the transparent mirror frame. The transparent mirror frame has a patterned front side having a plurality of channels established thereat and a rear side opposite the patterned front side. An illumination source is provided at the mirror head. The patterned front side of the transparent mirror frame is patterned to reflect light emitted by the illumination source, when powered, so that an illumination pattern is visible to a person viewing the rear of the transparent mirror frame. The mirror head is pivotally mounted at the mirror mount.