Transparent Structural Element for Side View Mirror Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side view mirror assemblies for heavy-duty vehicles often obstruct the driver's forward field of view due to connecting members and housing peripheries, which can be detrimental, especially since current regulations require at least 70% reflection and independent adjustment of mirrors is not possible in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A side view mirror assembly featuring a transparent structural element that integrates the first and second mirrors, linked by a structural element with adjustment means allowing vertical spacing alteration between the mirrors, eliminating obstructions and providing structural integrity to withstand vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connecting members and opaque housings are used to integrate mirrors, then structural integrity is improved, but driver forward view obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing material is changed from opaque to transparent, allowing light to pass through and eliminating the obstruction of the driver's forward field of view. This transparency resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural integrity while removing the harmful visual blocking effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical property of the housing material is changed from opaque to transparent, fundamentally altering how the structure interacts with light. This parameter change allows the housing to maintain its structural function while eliminating the obstruction problem.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mirrors are mounted in opaque housings with connecting members, then structural stability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Changing the housing from opaque to transparent reduces turbulence and improves airflow around the mirror assembly, enhancing aerodynamic performance while maintaining structural stability.
3Device complexity
If mirrors are fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the mirrors to be repositioned according to different driving conditions, such as day/night modes or different traffic situations. This dynamic adjustability enhances versatility without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a side view mirror assembly (10) comprising a first mirror (12) and a second mirror (12), a lower arm (24, 240) and an upper arm (18, 180) for mounting said assembly to a vehicle, wherein said lower and upper arms (24, 240, 18, 180) are linked by a structural element (30), wherein first and second mirrors (12, 14) are coupled to respective lower and upper arms (24, 240, 18, 180) and in that said structural element (30) integrates the first and second mirrors (12, 14) and is transparent.