Video Rearview Mirror VRLC Stack for Toggle-Free Display Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular interior mirror systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating video display functionality without the need for mechanical toggling or actuation, as they require drivers to change the mirror orientation between reflection and video display modes, which can be inconvenient and distracting.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an electronic control unit that processes image data from multiple cameras and outputs video images to a display screen within the interior rearview mirror assembly, utilizing a stack of layers in the mirror head to minimize reflections and allow video image viewing without mechanical adjustments, such as through an electrochromic or liquid crystal glass assembly with integrated cover glass, enabling video display without altering the mirror's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror orientation is changed between reflection and video display modes, then the video display functionality is achieved, but the driver convenience deteriorates due to the need for mechanical toggling or actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical toggling system with an optical solution using a stack of layers including polarizing beam splitters and liquid crystal elements. This allows the mirror to display video images while maintaining its original orientation, eliminating the need for mechanical movement or toggling between modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can display both reflected images and video images without changing its orientation. The stack of layers enables the same optical path to handle both reflection and video display modes, making the system universal rather than requiring separate configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a toggle mechanism or actuator is added to change mirror orientation, then video display mode is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical components by using an all-optical solution. The stack of layers with polarizing beam splitters and liquid crystal elements replaces the need for toggle mechanisms or actuators, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to switch between reflection and video display modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reflection and video display functions into a single integrated optical path using a stack of layers. Instead of having separate mechanical systems for each function, the design combines both functionalities within the same optical structure, reducing overall system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional glass layers are added to the mirror head, then reflections are minimized, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite optical structure consisting of multiple functional layers including polarizing beam splitters, liquid crystal elements, and glass substrates. This composite approach minimizes reflections through controlled optical properties of each layer while maintaining manufacturability through standardized assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the glass layers by incorporating polarizing coatings and liquid crystal elements with specific optical properties. These parameter changes allow for reflection minimization without simply adding more glass layers, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired optical performance.
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 solution allows for safe and convenient viewing of video images by the driver without the need to toggle the mirror, reducing distractions and enhancing safety by maintaining the mirror's orientation for both reflection and video display modes, while minimizing reflections and eliminating the need for additional glass layers.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror reflective element comprises a variable reflectivity liquid crystal (VRLC) glass assembly
Implementation Method 2
The display device includes a stack of layers that reduce or minimize reflections from surfaces and interface changes through the stack
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting structure and a mirror head pivotally mounted at the mounting structure via a pivot joint. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a display and mirror assembly, which includes a frame portion, a video display screen at a front side of the frame portion, and a mirror reflective element at a front side of the video mirror display screen. The mirror reflective element includes a variable reflectivity liquid crystal (VRLC) stack of layers, which have a liquid crystal (LC) layer disposed between a rear glass substrate and a front glass substrate. The front and rear glass substrates are integrated in the VRLC stack of layers. With the mounting structure mounted at an interior portion of a vehicle, the video display screen is operable to display video images derived from video images provided by an ECU of the vehicle.