Steerable Rearview Mirror with Independent Reflective Facets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear-view mirrors with multiple reflective facets struggle to optimize the orientation of each facet independently, leading to difficulties in interpreting the reflected image and potential overlaps, which can hinder the driver's visibility and increase blind spots.
Innovation Solution
A rear-view mirror device with a support system allowing variable orientation, featuring multiple reflective surface portions that can be independently inclined and adjusted using controlled tilting devices, including pivot connections and sliding mechanisms, to provide optimal viewing angles and reduce blind spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple reflective facets are used to monitor different directions, then the driver's visibility is improved, but the interpretation of the reflected image becomes difficult due to boundary zones and overlaps
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror device is divided into multiple independent reflective facets (first reflective zone, second reflective zone, third reflective zone) that can be oriented independently. Each facet is supported by a separate support panel that can be adjusted individually, allowing the driver to monitor different directions simultaneously while maintaining clear, non-overlapping reflected images from each segment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic adjustment of reflective facets is implemented, then the adaptation to driving conditions is improved, but the orientation optimization of one facet degrades the relevance of another facet
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where each reflective facet can be independently repositioned during vehicle operation. The support panels are designed with adjustment mechanisms that allow real-time modification of facet orientations in response to changing driving conditions, such as detecting trailing vehicles or adjusting for driver position changes, ensuring each facet remains optimally oriented for its specific monitoring function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently moving reflective surfaces are used, then the directions of reflection can be automatically adjusted, but the boundary zones and overlaps between facets increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each reflective facet is designed with specific local properties and orientations tailored to its monitoring function. The facets are positioned and angled to create distinct fields of view with minimal overlap, and the support panels are configured to maintain appropriate spacing between facets, reducing boundary zone interference while preserving automatic adjustment capabilities for each individual facet.
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 enhances the driver's visibility by dynamically adjusting the reflective surface geometry based on driving conditions, minimizing blind spots and improving driving comfort and safety by maintaining a continuous, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-clean reflective surface.
Implementation Method 1
A rear-view mirror device for a vehicle, comprising a mirror device designed to allow the driver of the vehicle to look, by reflection, in at least one direction directed towards the rear and the exterior of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
A rearview mirror device (10) for a vehicle includes at least a first portion of a reflective surface (1), and includes a second portion of a reflective surface (2) that is steerable relative to the first portion of a reflective surface (1). The first portion of a reflective surface (1) and the second portion of a reflective surface (2) are part of the same continuous reflective surface (7). The mirror device (9) includes at least a first controlled tilting device (41), configured to vary the tilt of the first reflective surface (1) relative to the body structure (23) of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion, and the mirror device (9) includes at least a second controlled tilting device (42), configured to vary the tilt of the second portion of a reflective surface (2) relative to the first portion of a reflective surface (1) while the vehicle is in motion.