Shape Changing Mirror for Blind Spot Visibility
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle side mirrors do not adequately increase the driver's field of view, especially during maneuvers like merging or lane changes, limiting the visibility of blind spots.
Innovation Solution
A shape-changing mirror assembly that can bend from a flat to a fisheye shape using actuators such as solenoids, electromagnets, and electroactive polymers, controlled by a vehicle controller to enhance the field of view based on vehicle maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the mirror is kept flat, then the mirror structure is simple and stable, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is designed to change its shape dynamically between flat and fisheye configurations based on driving conditions. The mirror assembly includes actuators that can bend the mirror substrate, transforming it from a static flat surface to a dynamic curved surface with varying curvature, thereby expanding the field of view when needed while maintaining simplicity at other times
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror's curvature parameter is changed on demand. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the mirror transitions from a flat state (zero curvature) to a fisheye state (high curvature), fundamentally altering its optical parameters to capture a wider angular range and provide the driver with enhanced visibility of surrounding vehicles
2Area of moving object
If the mirror bends to fisheye shape, then the field of view increases, but the mirror requires complex actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is divided into multiple independent actuation units, each responsible for specific regions of the mirror. This segmentation allows the complex bending action to be achieved through coordinated operation of simpler individual actuators, making the overall system more manageable and controllable
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical linkages are replaced with electromagnetic actuators that can achieve precise control with fewer moving parts. The actuator assembly uses electromagnetic fields to directly actuate the mirror substrate, eliminating complex mechanical transmission mechanisms while achieving reliable shape transformation
3Reliability
If the mirror shape changes automatically, then the driver's awareness of blind spots improves, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the mirror's operational state and adjusts the actuator commands based on feedback signals. This closed-loop control ensures that the mirror transitions to the fisheye configuration only when a blind spot vehicle is detected and returns to flat when the condition is resolved, maintaining reliability while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms
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 mirror assembly significantly increases the driver's field of view by changing shape, allowing better visibility of blind spots during critical maneuvers, improving safety by enhancing the driver's awareness of surrounding vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator assembly includes a plurality of electromagnets. Each of the plurality of electromagnets is directly coupled to the second leg end of one of the plurality of legs. The plurality of electromagnets is configured to receive electrical energy to draw the plurality of permanent magnets toward the plurality of electromagnets to bend the mirror from the flat shape to the fisheye shape.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator assembly includes a plurality of linear solenoids. Each of the plurality of linear solenoids is directly coupled to the second leg end of one of the plurality of legs. The plurality of linear solenoids is configured to receive electrical energy to pull the plurality of blocks toward the second leg end of the respective one of the plurality of legs to bend the mirror from the flat shape to the fisheye shape.
Implementation Method 3
The mirror includes an electroactive polymer such that, upon receipt of the electrical energy, a shape of the mirror changes from the flat shape to the fisheye shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror assembly includes a mirror housing and a mirror. The mirror is supported by the mirror housing. The mirror has an outer reflective surface. The mirror is bendable between a flat shape and a fisheye shape. The mirror assembly further includes an actuator assembly coupled to the mirror. Upon actuation, the actuator assembly is configured to bend the mirror between the flat shape and the fisheye shape to adjust a field of view of the mirror.