HEATED MIRROR SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
First Claim
1. A heated mirror system comprising:
- a molded mirror housing;
at least two electrodes in electrical contact with the mirror housing for supplying electric current to the mirror housing; and
at least one mirror pane disposed within the mirror housing;
wherein the mirror housing comprises an electro thermally-active thermoplastic material;
wherein the mirror pane is in thermal contact with the mirror housing.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A heated mirror system for use in motor vehicles that includes the use of a thermally regulating material that eliminates electrical heater elements used in conventional heated mirror systems. The heated mirror system includes a mirror housing constructed from an electro thermally-active thermoplastic material. The electro thermally-active thermoplastic material is selected to be self-regulating such that the material heats up until it reaches a selected temperature at which point the resistivity of the material prevents further heating of the mirror housing to reduce the risk of damage to the mirror. The mirror is located in thermal contact in the mirror housing such that, as the electro thermally-active thermoplastic material heats, at least a portion of the heat is capable of heating the mirror. The mirror housing may be constructed using an injection molding process.
21 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A heated mirror system comprising:
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a molded mirror housing; at least two electrodes in electrical contact with the mirror housing for supplying electric current to the mirror housing; and at least one mirror pane disposed within the mirror housing; wherein the mirror housing comprises an electro thermally-active thermoplastic material; wherein the mirror pane is in thermal contact with the mirror housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of forming a heated mirror system assembly comprising the steps of:
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forming a molded mirror housing comprising an electro thermally-active thermoplastic material; integrating at least two electrodes in electrical contact with the mirror housing for supplying electric current to the mirror housing; and placing a mirror pane in thermal contact with the mirror housing. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification