Vanity mirror with hidden sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vanity mirrors with integrated sensors often have visible sensor components, which can detract from their aesthetic appeal and obstruct uniform light emission around the perimeter.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly design where the proximity sensor is positioned behind the reflective surface, allowing non-visible sensing energy to pass through while maintaining the appearance of a uniform light emission by using a second mirror with a different transmissivity profile to hide the sensor components from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the proximity sensor is positioned on the front surface of the mirror assembly, then the sensor can effectively detect the user's presence, but the sensor component becomes visible and detracts from aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is relocated from the front surface to the rear surface of the mirror assembly, utilizing the depth dimension of the mirror structure. This allows the sensor to maintain its detection function while being hidden from the user's view, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror substrate itself serves as an intermediary medium that allows non-visible sensing energy (such as infrared or other wavelengths) to pass through while blocking visible light. This enables the sensor positioned behind the mirror to detect user presence without the sensor components being visible, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring measurement precision.
2Shape
If the proximity sensor is positioned behind the reflective surface, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the sensor components may obstruct uniform light emission around the perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a front reflective surface for aesthetics, a middle layer for sensor positioning, and a rear section for light emission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with others, ensuring uniform light emission while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mirror assembly are assigned different optical properties. The front surface is highly reflective for aesthetic purposes, while the rear region where light is emitted has different transmissivity characteristics. The sensor is positioned in a local zone behind the reflective surface where it can detect user presence without obstructing the overall uniform light emission pattern.
3Shape
If a second mirror with different transmissivity profile is used to hide sensor components, then the aesthetic appearance and uniform light emission are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second mirror serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a reflective surface for aesthetic appearance, a positioning platform for the sensor, and a light-emitting surface for uniform illumination. By making this single component multi-functional, the design achieves the desired aesthetic and functional outcomes without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 provides a visually appealing mirror with uniform light distribution and hidden sensor components, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality by allowing more light to be emitted uniformly around the mirror's perimeter.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror with a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface visible by a user
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface of the second mirror coupled to the rear surface of the first mirror
Implementation Method 3
Each of the first and second mirrors includes a thick substrate or layer of transparent material
Implementation Method 4
The sensor assembly includes a transmitter positioned behind the rear surface of the second mirror and a receiver positioned behind the rear surface of the second mirror
Implementation Method 5
The transmitter and the receiver are positioned behind a window of the first mirror
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mirror assembly comprising: a first mirror with a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface visible by a user; a second mirror having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface of the second mirror coupled to the rear surface of the first mirror; and a sensor assembly positioned behind the rear surface of the second mirror. The sensor assembly can comprise: a transmitter configured to emit light; and a receiver configured to receive light; wherein the sensor assembly is configured to detect a user's presence. The present disclosure also relates to a mirror assembly having a housing, a first mirror, a second mirror, a light source, and a sensor assembly. The first mirror can be positioned within an opening of the housing. The front surface of the second mirror can be coupled to a rear surface of the first mirror. The light source can be disposed on or at least partially around the first mirror. The sensor assembly can be positioned between a rear surface of the second mirror and the housing. The sensor assembly can include a transmitter positioned behind the rear surface of the second mirror and a receiver positioned behind the rear surface of the second mirror. The light source can be activated when the sensor assembly detects a user's presence.