Secondary Optic Flutes Reduce Glare in Vehicle Rearview Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview assemblies for vehicles face challenges in providing an improved secondary optic that effectively reduces glare and maintains a uniform view by minimizing light reflectance and shadows, which current technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The rearview assembly incorporates a secondary optic with vertically and horizontally configured flutes on its surfaces, which control the field of view and limit reflectance, using a combination of partially transmissive coatings and filters to manage light transmission and reduce glare, while being coupled to a light sensor for glare detection and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a secondary optic is added to control light transmission and reduce glare, then glare reduction and view uniformity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary optic is segmented into multiple discrete flutes (vertical and horizontal) that independently control light transmission in different directions. Each flute acts as a separate light management element, allowing precise control over glare reduction while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The flutes are strategically positioned and oriented at specific locations on the secondary optic surface to address glare from particular directions. The vertical flutes handle horizontal glare components while horizontal flutes handle vertical glare components, creating localized light control zones that improve overall glare reduction without requiring uniform complexity across the entire optic
2Object-generated harmful factors
If flutes are added to the secondary optic surfaces to control field of view and limit reflectance, then light reflectance is reduced to less than 35%, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flutes are formed with curved, semi-cylindrical cross-sections rather than sharp angular shapes. This curvature provides gradual light redirection that effectively limits reflectance to less than 35% while being more tolerant to manufacturing variations compared to precision angular features, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary optic is formed as a composite structure combining the flute features with the base optic material, integrating multiple light control functions (reflection, refraction, and diffusion) into a single manufactured component. This composite approach achieves effective glare reduction while consolidating manufacturing steps
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 configuration significantly reduces light reflectance to less than 35%, providing a clear and uniform rearview display by minimizing shadows and glare, enhancing the visibility and clarity of the rearview for the driver.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary optic (16) configured to receive the light passing through the at least one substrate (12)
Implementation Method 2
limit reflectance... significantly reduces light reflectance to less than 35%
Implementation Method 3
using a combination of partially transmissive coatings and filters to manage light transmission and reduce glare
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A rearview assembly is disclosed for use in a vehicle for providing a rearward view from the vehicle. In one example, the rearview assembly includes at least one substrate having a partially transmissive coating and a light sensor proximate the at least one substrate. The rearview assembly further includes a secondary optic. The secondary optic has a first surface facing outward toward the at least one substrate and a second surface facing inward toward the light sensor. Vertical flutes extend uniformly along the first surface and horizontal flutes extend uniformly along the second surface. The secondary optic is configured to control a field of view of the light sensor.