Worm Gear Driven Toggle Mechanism for Full Display Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing full-display rearview mirrors require manual input for switching between reflective and video display modes, which is undesirable and aesthetically unpleasing, and can cause image competition between the reflective and video images.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven actuation mechanism using a worm gear reduction system automatically tilts the display substrate between active and inactive positions, eliminating the need for manual levers and minimizing image competition by orienting the reflective surface towards the headliner when the video display is active.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual bi-modal lever mechanism is used to tilt the mirror, then the mirror can be switched between video display and reflective modes, but the mechanism gives an undesirable appearance and requires manual user input
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when video content is displayed and autonomously tilts the mirror substrate to redirect reflected light away from the driver's view, eliminating the need for manual lever operation. The control system monitors display state and actuates the tilt mechanism accordingly, making the system self-regulating based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visible manual lever mechanism with an automated control system that uses sensors, control logic, and an actuator to achieve mirror tilting. This substitution hides the mechanical complexity from view while maintaining the functional capability of switching between display and reflective modes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mirror is tilted upward for video display mode, then the reflective image is less noticeable, but this requires a complex switching mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the display state and provides feedback to the actuation mechanism. When video content is detected on the display, the system automatically activates the tilt mechanism to reposition the mirror substrate, ensuring the reflective surface redirects light away from the driver. This closed-loop control eliminates image competition without requiring complex manual switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror substrate is designed with dynamic tilting capability that can change its orientation based on operational mode. The actuation mechanism enables the substrate to dynamically adjust between a forward-facing position for reflective mode and an upward-tilted position for video display mode, optimizing performance for each state.
3Device complexity
If a simple tilt mechanism is used, then the appearance is cleaner, but automatic switching between modes requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated mechanism. The same actuator and control system that manage the tilting function also perform the mode switching operation, eliminating the need for separate manual lever mechanisms. This multi-functional approach achieves automatic switching while maintaining a clean, simplified mechanical structure.
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 seamless and aesthetically pleasing automatic switching mechanism that reduces image competition and eliminates the need for manual operation, enhancing the user experience and appearance of the rearview mirror.
Implementation Method 1
a spring plate (25) coupled with the mounting plate (20) and having a resiliently deformable spring arm (27) extending away from the mounting plate (20)
Implementation Method 2
A motor (26) is coupled within the interior cavity (16) of the housing (14) and is operably coupled with the socket body (34) to drive rotation thereof by a reduction mechanism including a worm gear (36)
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side, a substrate coupled within the open side of the housing and having a reflective surface thereon, and an actuation mechanism coupled within the housing. The actuation mechanism has a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof, a spring plate coupled with the mounting plate and having a resiliently deformable spring arm extending away from the mounting plate, and a socket body rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing, the spring arm of the spring plate being operably coupled with the socket body at a coupling axis therebetween. A motor is coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and is operably coupled with the socket body to drive rotation thereof by a reduction mechanism including a worm gear.