Vehicle Outer Mirror Device with Integrated Imaging Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle outer mirror devices with integrated imaging units change their appearance significantly when the imaging unit is attached on the outer side of the housing, affecting the vehicle's aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle outer mirror device design that includes a housing with a light reflection region and a light transmission region, where the imaging unit is fixed inside the housing and images the rear through the light transmission region, with its optical axis inclined relative to the reflection optical axis, allowing for the accommodation of the imaging unit without altering the mirror's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging unit is attached on the outer side of the housing, then the imaging function is achieved, but the appearance of the vehicle outer mirror device greatly changes
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is nested inside the housing, specifically positioned in the rearward region behind the mirror main body. The imaging unit captures images through the light transmission region of the mirror main body, allowing the imaging function to be integrated without external attachment, thus preserving the original appearance of the mirror device while achieving the desired imaging capability
2Shape
If the imaging unit is placed inside the housing, then the appearance is maintained, but the imaging optical axis must be inclined to capture through the light transmission region
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror main body is designed with a specific local property: a light transmission region that allows light (and images) to pass through. This local quality enables the imaging unit positioned inside the housing to capture images by looking through this transmission region, accommodating the inclined optical axis requirement while maintaining the integrated design
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
Enables the integration of an imaging unit without significantly changing the vehicle outer mirror device's appearance, providing a clear rear view while maintaining the mirror's original aesthetic and functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a light reflection region reflecting light entering from outside of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a light transmission region capable of transmitting the light to inside of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle outer mirror device includes a housing, a mirror main body, a mirror drive unit, and an imaging unit. The housing is attached to a door of a vehicle and includes an opening facing rear of the vehicle. The mirror main body is disposed in the opening of the housing and has a light reflection region reflecting light entering from outside of the housing and a light transmission region capable of transmitting the light to inside of the housing. The mirror drive unit is disposed inside the housing and adjusts an orientation of the mirror main body. The imaging unit is fixed inside the housing, images the rear of the vehicle through the light transmission region, and is disposed in a state in which an imaging optical axis is inclined toward the outside of the vehicle with respect to a reflection optical axis of the light reflection region.