Integrated Travel Direction Indicator Module for Rearview Mirrors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel direction indicator modules for exterior rearview mirrors in vehicles are difficult to manufacture while meeting aesthetic and safety requirements, particularly in terms of light distribution and luminance, as per legal standards like ECE R6.
Innovation Solution
A travel direction indicator module featuring two light conductors formed as a single injection molded part, where the first light conductor has integrated decoupling points and optics, and the second light conductor provides functional light distribution without additional design-based optics, arranged one behind the other to enhance light efficiency and ease of manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate light windows are used as light conductors, then light transport from coupling point to decoupling points is achieved, but production difficulty increases and luminance requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light conductor and housing into a single integrated component formed by injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate light windows and their complex production processes, while ensuring precise optical properties are achieved through the molded integration of light guiding and structural functions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for light conductors and housing, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light conductor and housing are combined into a single injection-molded component, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps. This integration maintains all necessary optical functions while simplifying the overall structure and reducing complexity.
3Productivity
If light conductors are formed separately from housing, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated injection molding process produces both the housing and light conductor in a single manufacturing step, eliminating sequential production and assembly operations. This significantly improves production efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a standardized molding process.
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 ensures compliance with legal illumination standards while simplifying production and enhancing light efficiency, allowing for better visibility of the indicator to oncoming traffic without the need for separate light windows.
Implementation Method 1
a first light conductor (3) having a multiplicity of light decoupling points (15), wherein light, which is coupled into the first light conductor (3) from at least one light source (13) at a first end, is transported by the first light conductor to the decoupling points (15), which are distributed across the entire length of the first light conductor (3) between its first and second end
Implementation Method 2
a second light conductor (5), wherein light, which is coupled into the second light conductor (5) from the first light conductor (3) at a second end of the first light conductor (3), is transported by the second light conductor (5) to an emission region (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A travel direction indicator module for an exterior rearview mirror arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least one light source. A first light conductor associated with the at least one light source includes a multiplicity of light decoupling points. The travel direction indicator further includes a second light conductor. The light source couples a first beam part into the first light conductor at a first end and a second beam part into the second light conductor at a first end. A module housing is formed as one injection molded part in common with the first light conductor and the second light conductor. The at least one light source emits light into a single light decoupling area, which is arranged in an area of the second end of the first light conductor situated opposite the first end of the first light conductor. An exterior rearview mirror arrangement having such a travel direction indicator module is also disclosed.