Segmented Rearview Mirror for Blind Spot Coverage Without Fisheye
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview mirrors do not provide adjustable sections that prevent a convex shape, leading to fisheye views, and lack integrated displays for vehicular information.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable vehicular rearview mirror with pivotable lateral sections and a fixed center section, coupled with levers and biasing members to maintain a flat configuration, along with a display and actuator for vehicular information, powered by a solar panel or vehicle battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire mirror is made pivotable to enhance viewing angles, then the viewing coverage is improved, but the mirror forms a convex shape creating a fisheye view that distorts the image
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is divided into a fixed center section and pivotable lateral sections. This segmentation allows the lateral sections to be adjusted for enhanced viewing angles while the fixed center section maintains a flat configuration, preventing fisheye distortion in the central viewing area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable sections are added to eliminate blind spots, then the viewing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is segmented into fixed and adjustable portions, allowing blind spot coverage through lateral section adjustment while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through the use of basic pivot mechanisms and levers.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral sections are made dynamically adjustable through pivot mechanisms that allow the sections to rotate between a parallel position (reducing blind spots) and other positions, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lateral sections are made parallel to reduce blind spots, then the viewing capability is improved, but the sections may inadvertently form a convex shape
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed center section provides a locally flat viewing area that prevents fisheye distortion, while the lateral sections can be adjusted locally to reduce blind spots. This local differentiation allows each section to optimize its function without compromising the overall mirror flatness.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable vehicular rearview mirror device for adjusting the rearview mirror to view blind spots of a vehicle includes a housing having a back wall and a perimeter wall being coupled to and extending forward from the back wall. A mirror is coupled to a front edge of the perimeter wall. The mirror includes a center section, a first lateral section, and a second lateral section. The first and second lateral sections each are pivotable about a corresponding vertical axis. A pair of levers includes a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is actuated to pivotally adjust the first lateral section relative to the corresponding vertical axis and the second lever is actuated to pivotally adjust the second lateral section relative to the corresponding vertical axis. A mount is coupled to an exterior surface of the back wall and mounts to an interior of a vehicle.