1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a vehicular rearview/sideview mirror assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Rearview/sideview mirror assemblies are ubiquitous for contemporary vehicles, providing an occupant with a view from the vehicle of rearward and sideward areas collectively extending from the lateral limit of an occupant's peripheral vision to an exterior side of a vehicle, referred to generally as the “operational field of view.” Such mirror assemblies are typically mounted to the exterior of the vehicle at or proximate the front of the driver's and front passenger's doors (i.e. “side-mounted”). A conventional mounting location is adjacent the forward corner of the side windows. It is known to use afocal mirrors as rearview/sideview mirrors.
To adjust and expand the area of the rearward and sideward views observable by an occupant, the reflective element of a side-mounted mirror assembly can be configured for permanent or intermittent extension away from the vehicle exterior. However, this can project the reflective element into the vehicle airflow, resulting in drag, wind noise, and excess fuel consumption.
Conventional rearview/sideview mirror assemblies are typically unable to provide an occupant with an uninterrupted view of the entire area to the rear and side of a vehicle without moving the reflective element, or utilizing a plurality of reflective elements, each associated with a different field of view. Thus, a portion of the zone to the rear and side of a vehicle, referred to herein as the “hidden zone,” is not readily visible in the reflective element. Moving the reflective element is generally impracticable; utilizing a plurality of reflective elements will increase the aerodynamic drag force associated with a side-mounted mirror assembly.
Conventional side-mounted mirror assemblies can also incorporate several different elements, such as reflective elements, lenses, and the like, in order to maximize the operational field of view, while adhering to automotive safety and performance standards. However, the greater the number of elements making up a mirror assembly, the larger the mirror assembly housing must be to accommodate the elements, and the greater the aerodynamic profile associated with the projection of the mirror assembly from the vehicle exterior.
It would be desirable to utilize a rearview/sideview vehicle mirror assembly incorporating a minimum number of operational elements, and having a reduced weight and aerodynamic profile, capable of providing the operator of the vehicle with an enhanced view of objects, such as approaching vehicles, to the rear and side of the vehicle, which complies with automotive safety and performance standards.