US 6,124,886 · Granted 2000-09-26
The Smart Mirror That Turned Your Car's Rearview Into a Tech Hub
Imagine a rearview mirror that's not just reflective glass—it's a modular platform that snaps different electronic features into place like LEGO bricks. This patent describes a mirror assembly where cameras, rain sensors, displays, and other gadgets plug into a central carrier module, making it easier to build mirrors with all these extras without rewiring everything from scratch.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a modular rearview mirror assembly where electrical components (cameras, sensors, displays, etc.) connect to a central carrier member that houses circuitry and provides mechanical support. What's protected is the specific architecture: the carrier module with recessed ends for reflectors, snap-in slots in the mirror case for assembly, and the integrated electrical distribution network that lets different components plug in and work together without custom wiring for each feature combination.
Why it matters
Before modular designs, adding electronics to mirrors meant custom engineering for every new feature or vehicle type. This patent solved that by creating a plug-and-play platform where manufacturers could mix and match components—cameras, rain sensors, displays—without redesigning the whole mirror assembly each time. That meant faster development, lower costs, and the ability to offer high-tech mirrors across different vehicle models without starting from zero.
Real-world use
Every time you glance at a modern rearview mirror with an integrated camera, rain sensor, or display, you're benefiting from this modular approach—those features are likely snap-fitted into a carrier module just like this patent describes.
Original USPTO abstract
A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates one or more integrated subassembly modules or carrier members to which are connected separate electrical components such as lamps, reflectors, switches, plug receptacles and the like to simplify mirror assembly and provide integral support, electrical connections, and an electrical distribution network for the mirror assembly having added, electrically operated features. The carrier member includes a circuit member secured to and/or at least partially encased or encapsulated within a support body such that electrical connections extend therefrom. Preferably, the carrier member may include recesses at opposite ends for receiving and supporting reflectors thereon to prevent vibration while allowing interchangeability for different vehicle types. The carrier member may form a stop for a toggle actuator to limit the movement of the mirror housing between day and night positions in the event a prismatic mirror element is included. The mirror case includes a plurality of internal wall members including slots for snap-in reception of the carrier member during assembly. In addition, the plug connection includes a latch for retaining a plug in the plug connection when the assembly is connected to a vehicle electrical system. The electrically operated features may include video cameras, rain and other detectors, electro-optic reflective elements, blind spot detection systems, information displays, headlamp controllers, cellular phones, transmitters, receivers, compasses, computers, printers, and the like.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 6,124,886
- Filing date
- 1997-08-25
- Grant date
- 2000-09-26
- Assignee
- Donnelly Corporation
- Inventor(s)
- DELINE; JONATHAN E., VELDMAN; ROGER L., LYNAM; NIALL R.
- CPC class
- B60K28/063
Want to file your own patent?
Designing an automotive accessory or mirror upgrade? Use our free patentability scanner to check if your idea overlaps with existing automotive-gadgets patents before you invest in tooling.
Free patentability scan