Rotatable Exterior Mirror Assembly With Fixed Blind Spot Imager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior mirror assemblies for vehicles lack effective solutions for capturing image data within blind spot zones, as the imager is often obscured or interferes with the rotation of the mirror assembly, leading to incomplete field of view and reduced reflection quality.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable exterior mirror assembly with a stationary imager positioned to capture image data within the blind spot zone, where the mirror assembly rotates between two positions, maintaining a constant imager field of view and utilizing a heater to prevent condensation, and a reflective coating to minimize interference with the imager's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the imager is positioned within the mirror assembly, then the blind spot zone can be captured, but the imager field of view is obscured and rotation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The imager is extracted from the traditional position within the mirror assembly and repositioned to a location outside the mirror rotation path. The imager is mounted on the vehicle body or mirror support structure such that its field of view is not obstructed by the mirror assembly during rotation, while still capturing the blind spot zone effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement where the imager is blocked by the mirror, to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where the imager is positioned in a different plane or dimension that allows simultaneous mirror rotation and unobstructed imager field of view.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror assembly rotates between positions, then the field of view changes, but the imager field of view becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The imager is extracted from the rotating mirror assembly structure and positioned on a stationary mounting on the vehicle body. This separation ensures that the imager remains stationary while the mirror assembly rotates, maintaining consistent field of view for the imager across all mirror positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two independent functional components: the rotating mirror assembly for driver visibility adjustment, and the stationary imager for consistent blind spot monitoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without interference.
3Illumination intensity
If the reflective coating is added to the mirror assembly, then reflection quality improves, but interference with the imager field of view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective coating is applied selectively only to specific areas of the mirror assembly where it is needed for driver visibility, while leaving other areas transparent or uncoated. This allows the coating to enhance reflection quality in the driver's view while minimizing interference with the imager's field of view in adjacent areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the imager to a different spatial dimension or angle relative to the mirror assembly, such that the reflective coating's interference is minimized. The imager captures light from the blind spot zone through a path that does not intersect with the highly reflective areas of the mirror.
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 consistent image capture of blind spot zones without interfering with the mirror's rotation, enhancing driver visibility and reducing environmental interference, while maintaining optimal reflection quality across different mirror positions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a heater to prevent condensation
Implementation Method 2
a reflective coating to minimize interference with the imager's field of view
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an arm having a proximal end coupled with a vehicle door and a distal end. A mirror assembly is coupled to the arm. The mirror assembly includes an electro-optic element. The mirror assembly is rotatable about the distal end between first and second positions. An imager is disposed proximate to the distal end and configured to capture image data within a blind spot zone of said vehicle.