Rain sensor mounting system

• US 6,968,736 B2
• Filed: 01/21/2003
• Issued: 11/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lynam, Niall R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lefkowitz, Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): THOMPSON, JEWEL VERGIE
• Application Number:
  US10/348,514
• Publication Number:
  US 20030126924A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,043 Days
• Field of Search: 731/701.7, 248/549, 250/208.1, 340/815.4
• US Class Current: 73/170.17
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0822 characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0833 Optical rain sensor
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0881 characterized by the attachment means on the windshield
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0885 the sensor being integrated in a rear-view mirror module
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings

Abstract

A vehicular rain sensor mounting system comprises a module assembly adapted for attachment to an attachment member on the inner surface of a vehicle windshield. The module assembly comprises a first side configured to be generally adjacent the inner surface of the vehicle windshield and a second side generally opposing the first side. A rearview mirror assembly mounting member is provided at the second side. The system further comprises a rearview mirror assembly having a mirror mount adapted for attachment to the rearview mirror assembly mounting member provided at the second side of the module assembly. The module assembly includes a rain sensor having a detecting surface. The detecting surface of the rain sensor contacts the inner surface of the windshield when the module assembly is attached to the attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

Claims

1. A rain sensor mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle windshield, said system comprising:

a module assembly;

an attachment member on an inner surface of the vehicle windshield;

said module assembly adapted for attachment to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield;

said module assembly comprising a first side configured to be generally adjacent the inner surface of the vehicle windshield when said module assembly attaches to said attachment member;

said module assembly further comprising a second side, said second side being generally opposing said first side;

a rearview mirror assembly mounting member provided at said second side of said module assembly;

a double ball joint rearview mirror assembly;

said double ball joint rearview mirror assembly comprising a mirror mount;

said mirror mount adapted for attachment to said rearview mirror assembly mounting member provided at said second side of said module assembly;

said module assembly including a rain sensor;

said rain sensor comprising a detecting surface; and

wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor contacts the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

2. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said module assembly includes an access opening and a cover.

3. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 2, wherein said cover comprises a removable cover.

4. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 3, wherein said cover comprises at least one releasable fastener.

5. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 4, wherein said releasable fastener comprises a fastener chosen from a clip, a screw, a snap, and a latch.

6. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 2, wherein said second side includes said cover.

9. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises electrical circuitry.

10. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises a light emitting source, and wherein light from said light emitting source is refracted by the inner surface of the vehicle windshield and impinges said detecting surface.

11. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises electronic circuitry for generating an electrical signal indicative of detection of moisture on the windshield.

12. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 11, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing houses at least a portion of said electronic circuitry.

13. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry at least one of receives an input from a vehicle electrical accessory and delivers an output to a vehicle electrical accessory.

14. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry shares at least one component of at least one vehicle electrical accessory.

15. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry shares at least one component of an automatic dimming circuitry.

16. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor optically couples to the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

17. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor is urged to optically couple to the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

18. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises a removable rain sensor unit.

19. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said rain sensor generates an electrical signal for at least one of a wiper system, a sunroof system, a ventilation system, and a traction control system.

20. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said first side of said module assembly is adapted to attach to said attachment member by at least one of a snap-on attachment and a twist-on attachment.

21. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member comprises a contiguous mounting member.

22. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member comprises an annular member.

23. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 22, wherein said annular member includes a central opening, said rain sensor contacting the inner surface of the vehicle windshield at said central opening.

24. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member comprises at least one rail.

25. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member comprises a non-contiguous mounting member.

26. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member comprises a pair of rails.

27. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said rearview mirror assembly mounting member comprises a mirror mounting button.

28. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 27, wherein said mirror mounting button is attached to said module assembly at said second side.

29. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 27, wherein said mirror mounting button is formed by molding whereby said mirror mounting button comprises an integral member of said module assembly.

30. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, said first side includes a portion configured for releasably mounting said module assembly to said attachment member.

31. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 30, wherein said rearview mirror assembly mounting member and said portion are substantially aligned.

32. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member includes a dimensional area comprising a first foot print, said mirror assembly mounting member including a dimensional area comprising a second foot print, and said first and second foot prints being substantially the same.

33. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said double ball joint rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror housing and a reflective element.

34. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 33, wherein said reflective element comprises a variable reflectance mirror element.

35. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 33, wherein said reflective element comprises a prismatic mirror element.

36. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 33, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

37. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 36, wherein said electrochromic reflective element comprises an electrochemichromic reflective element.

38. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, said module assembly comprising a resilient member, said resilient member urging said rain sensor to contact the inner surface of the vehicle windshield when said module assembly is mounted to the vehicle windshield.

39. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 38, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

40. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 39, wherein said spring comprises one chosen from a helical spring and a resilient disc.

41. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 38, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing includes an opening, said resilient member urging said rain sensor to contact the inner surface of the vehicle windshield at said opening.

42. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises a modular unit.

43. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises a body having a shape.

44. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 43, wherein said shape comprises a cylindrical shape.

45. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 44, wherein said body includes a circular end face having a diameter of approximately 3.3 centimeters.

46. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 43, wherein said body includes a cross-section dimension, a body length, and a ratio of said cross-section dimension to said body length greater than 1.

47. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 46, wherein said ratio is greater than 2.

48. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 46, wherein said ratio is greater than 3.

49. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, further comprising a second sensor, said second sensor accommodated in said module assembly.

50. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 49, wherein said second sensor comprises a second rain sensor, said second rain sensor contacting the inner surface of the vehicle windshield for detecting moisture on an inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is mounted to the inner surface of the windshield.

51. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 50, wherein said second rain sensor is coupled to a ventilation system of the vehicle for activating a blower to demist the inner surface of the windshield.

52. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 49, wherein said second sensor comprises one chosen from a compass sensor, a seat occupancy sensor, a vehicle altitude sensor, a vehicle inclination sensor, and a photo sensor.

53. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein at least one vehicular accessory is accommodated in said module assembly.

54. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises an accessory selected from the group consisting of an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a compass sensor, a GPS system accessory, a pager system accessory, a cellular phone system accessory, a security system accessory, a tire pressure monitoring system accessory, a remote fueling system accessory, a remote keyless entry system accessory, a garage door opener system accessory, an internet interface system accessory, a vehicle tracking system accessory, a remote car door unlock system accessory, an email system accessory, a toll booth transaction system accessory, a highway information system accessory, a traffic warning system accessory, and a home access system accessory.

55. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises an antenna.

56. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a compass sensor.

57. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a cellular phone system accessory.

58. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a toll booth transaction system accessory.

59. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a tire pressure monitoring system accessory.

60. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a garage door opener system accessory.

61. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a remote keyless entry system accessory.

62. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a receiver.

63. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a GPS system accessory.

64. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a transmitter.

7. The rain sensor mounting system according 1, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing comprises a polymer material.

8. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 7, wherein said polymer material comprises one of a nylon material, an ABS material, an engineering resin material, and a polyolefin material.

65. A rain sensor mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle windshield, said system comprising:

a module assembly;

an attachment member on an inner surface of the vehicle windshield;

said module assembly adapted for attachment to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield;

said module assembly comprising a first side configured to be generally adjacent the inner surface of the vehicle windshield when said module assembly attaches to said attachment member;

said module assembly further comprising a second side, said second side being generally opposing said first side;

a rearview mirror assembly mounting member provided at said second side of said module assembly;

a rearview mirror assembly;

said rearview mirror assembly comprising a mirror mount;

said mirror mount adapted for attachment to said rearview mirror assembly mounting member provided at said second side of said module assembly;

said module assembly including a rain sensor;

wherein said rain sensor comprises a detecting surface;

wherein said rain sensor further comprises a light emitting source, and wherein light from said light emitting source is refracted by the inner surface of the vehicle windshield and impinges said detecting surface; and

wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor is urged to contact the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

66. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said module assembly includes an access opening and a cover.

67. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 66, wherein said cover comprises a removable cover.

68. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 67, wherein said cover comprises at least one releasable fastener.

69. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 68, wherein said releasable fastener comprises a fastener chosen from a clip, a screw, a snap, and a latch.

70. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 66, wherein said second side includes said cover.

71. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing comprises a polymer material.

72. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 71, wherein said polymer material comprises one of a nylon material, an ABS material, an engineering resin material, and a polyolefin material.

73. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rain sensor comprises electrical circuitry.

74. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rearview mirror assembly comprises a double ball joint rearview mirror assembly.

75. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rain sensor comprises electronic circuitry for generating an electrical signal indicative of detection of moisture on the windshield.

76. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 75, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing houses at least a portion of said electronic circuitry.

77. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry at least one of receives an input from a vehicle electrical accessory and delivers an output to a vehicle electrical accessory.

78. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry shares at least one component of at least one vehicle electrical accessory.

79. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry shares at least one component of an automatic dimming circuitry.

80. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor optically couples to the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

81. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor is urged to optically couple to the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

82. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rain sensor comprises a removable rain sensor unit.

83. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rain sensor generates an electrical signal for at least one of a wiper system, a sunroof system, a ventilation system, and a traction control system.

84. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said first side of said module assembly is adapted to attach to said attachment member by at least one of a snap-on attachment and a twist-on attachment.

85. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said attachment member comprises a contiguous mounting member.

86. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said attachment member comprises an annular member.

87. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said annular member includes a central opening, said rain sensor contacting the inner surface of the vehicle windshield at said central opening.

88. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said attachment member comprises at least one rail.

89. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said attachment member comprises a non-contiguous mounting member.

90. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said attachment member comprises a pair of rails.

91. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rearview mirror assembly mounting member comprises a mirror mounting button.

92. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 91, wherein said mirror mounting button is attached to said module assembly at said second side.

93. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 91, wherein said mirror mounting button is formed by molding whereby said mirror mounting button comprises an integral member of said module assembly.

94. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said first side includes a portion configured for releasably mounting said module assembly to said attachment member.

95. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 94, wherein said rearview mirror assembly mounting member and said portion are substantially aligned.

96. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said attachment member includes a dimensional area comprising a first foot print, said mirror assembly mounting member including a dimensional area comprising a second foot print, and said first and second foot prints being substantially the same.

97. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror housing and a reflective element.

98. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 97, wherein said reflective element comprises a variable reflectance mirror element.

99. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 97, wherein said reflective element comprises a prismatic mirror element.

100. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 97, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

101. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 100, wherein said electrochromic reflective element comprises an electrochemichromic reflective element.

102. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, said module assembly comprising a resilient member, said resilient member urging said rain sensor to contact the inner surface of the vehicle windshield when said module assembly is mounted to the vehicle windshield.

103. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 102, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

104. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 103, wherein said spring comprises one chosen from a helical spring and a resilient disc.

105. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 102, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing includes an opening, said resilient member urging said rain sensor to contact the inner surface of the vehicle windshield at said opening.

106. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rain sensor comprises a modular unit.

107. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein said rain sensor comprises a body having a shape.

108. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 107, wherein said shape comprises a cylindrical shape.

109. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 108, wherein said body includes a circular end face having a diameter of approximately 3.3 centimeters.

110. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 107, wherein said body includes a cross-section dimension, a body length, and a ratio of said cross-section dimension to said body length greater than 1.

111. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 110, wherein said ratio is greater than 2.

112. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 110, wherein said ratio is greater than 3.

113. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, further comprising a second sensor, said second sensor accommodated in said module assembly.

114. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 113, wherein said second sensor comprises a second rain sensor, said second rain sensor contacting the inner surface of the vehicle windshield for detecting moisture on an inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is mounted to the inner surface of the windshield.

115. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 114, wherein said second rain sensor is coupled to a ventilation system of the vehicle for activating a blower to demist the inner surface of the windshield.

116. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 113, wherein said second sensor comprises one chosen from a compass sensor, a seat occupancy sensor, a vehicle altitude sensor, a vehicle inclination sensor, and a photo sensor.

117. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 65, wherein at least one vehicular accessory is accommodated in said module assembly.

118. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises an accessory selected from the group consisting of an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a compass sensor, a GPS system accessory, a pager system accessory, a cellular phone system accessory, a security system accessory, a tire pressure monitoring system accessory, a remote fueling system accessory, a remote keyless entry system accessory, a garage door opener system accessory, an internet interface system accessory, a vehicle tracking system accessory, a remote car door unlock system accessory, an email system accessory, a toll booth transaction system accessory, a highway information system accessory, a traffic warning system accessory, and a home access system accessory.

119. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises an antenna.

120. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a compass sensor.

121. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a cellular phone system accessory.

122. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a toll booth transaction system accessory.

123. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a tire pressure monitoring system accessory.

124. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a garage door opener system accessory.

125. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a remote keyless entry system accessory.

126. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a receiver.

127. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a GPS system accessory.

128. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 117, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a transmitter.

129. A rain sensor mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with a vehicle windshield, said system comprising:

a module assembly;

an attachment member on an inner surface of the vehicle windshield;

said module assembly adapted for attachment to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield;

said module assembly comprising a first side configured to be generally adjacent the inner surface of the vehicle windshield when said module assembly attaches to said attachment member;

said module assembly further comprising a second side, said second side being generally opposing said first side;

a rearview mirror assembly mounting member provided at said second side of said module assembly;

a rearview mirror assembly;

said rearview mirror assembly comprising a mirror mount;

said mirror mount adapted for attachment to said rearview mirror assembly mounting member provided at said second side of said module assembly;

said module assembly including a rain sensor;

wherein said rain sensor comprises a detecting surface;

wherein said rain sensor further comprises a light emitting source, and wherein light from said light emitting source is refracted by the inner surface of the vehicle windshield and impinges said detecting surface;

wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor contacts the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield; and

wherein at least one vehicular accessory is accommodated in said module assembly.

130. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said module assembly includes an access opening and a cover.

131. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 130, wherein said cover comprises a removable cover.

132. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 131, wherein said cover comprises at least one releasable fastener.

133. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 132, wherein said releasable fastener comprises a fastener chosen from a clip, a screw, a snap, and a latch.

134. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 130, wherein said second side includes said cover.

135. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing comprises a polymer material.

136. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 135, wherein said polymer material comprises one of a nylon material, an ABS material, an engineering resin material, and a polyolefin material.

137. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rain sensor comprises electrical circuitry.

138. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rearview mirror assembly comprises a double ball joint rearview mirror assembly.

139. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rain sensor comprises electronic circuitry for generating an electrical signal indicative of detection of moisture on the windshield.

140. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 139, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing houses at least a portion of said electronic circuitry.

141. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry at least one of receives an input from another vehicle electrical accessory and delivers an output to another vehicle electrical accessory.

142. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry shares at least one component of said at least one vehicle electrical accessory.

143. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said module assembly includes electronic circuitry associated with said rain sensor and wherein said electronic circuitry shares at least one component of an automatic dimming circuitry.

144. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor optically couples to the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

145. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor is urged to optically couple to the inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is attached to said attachment member on the inner surface of the vehicle windshield.

146. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rain sensor comprises a removable rain sensor unit.

147. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rain sensor generates an electrical signal for at least one of a wiper system, a sunroof system, a ventilation system, and a traction control system.

148. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said first side of said module assembly is adapted to attach to said attachment member by at least one of a snap-on attachment and a twist-on attachment.

149. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said attachment member comprises a contiguous mounting member.

150. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said attachment member comprises an annular member.

151. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 150, wherein said annular member includes a central opening, said rain sensor contacting the inner surface of the vehicle windshield at said central opening.

152. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said attachment member comprises at least one rail.

153. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said attachment member comprises a non-contiguous mounting member.

154. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said attachment member comprises a pair of rails.

155. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rearview mirror assembly mounting member comprises a mirror mounting button.

156. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 155, wherein said mirror mounting button is attached to said module assembly at said second side.

157. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 155, wherein said mirror mounting button is formed by molding whereby said mirror mounting button comprises an integral member of said module assembly.

158. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said first side includes a portion configured for releasably mounting said module assembly to said attachment member.

159. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 158, wherein said rearview mirror assembly mounting member and said portion are substantially aligned.

160. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said attachment member includes a dimensional area comprising a first foot print, said mirror assembly mounting member including a dimensional area comprising a second foot print, and said first and second foot prints being substantially the same.

161. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror housing and a reflective element.

162. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 161, wherein said reflective element comprises a variable reflectance mirror element.

163. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 161, wherein said reflective element comprises a prismatic mirror element.

164. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 161, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

165. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 164, wherein said electrochromic reflective element comprises an electrochemichromic reflective element.

166. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, said module assembly comprising a resilient member, said resilient member urging said rain sensor to contact the inner surface of the vehicle windshield when said module assembly is mounted to the vehicle windshield.

167. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 166, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.

168. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 167, wherein said spring comprises one chosen from a helical spring and a resilient disc.

169. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 166, wherein said module assembly comprises a housing and wherein said housing includes an opening, said resilient member urging said rain sensor to contact the inner surface of the vehicle windshield at said opening.

170. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rain sensor comprises a modular unit.

171. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said rain sensor comprises a body having a shape.

172. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 171, wherein said shape comprises a cylindrical shape.

173. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 172, wherein said body includes a circular end face having a diameter of approximately 3.3 centimeters.

177. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, further comprising a second sensor, said second sensor accommodated in said module assembly.

178. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 177, wherein said second sensor comprises a second rain sensor, said second rain sensor contacting the inner surface of the vehicle windshield for detecting moisture on an inner surface of the windshield when said module assembly is mounted to the inner surface of the windshield.

179. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 178, wherein said second rain sensor is coupled to a ventilation system of the vehicle for activating a blower to demist the inner surface of the windshield.

180. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 179, wherein said second sensor comprises one chosen from a compass sensor, a seat occupancy sensor, a vehicle altitude sensor, a vehicle inclination sensor, and a photo sensor.

181. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises an accessory selected from the group consisting of an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a compass sensor, a GPS system accessory, a pager system accessory, a cellular phone system accessory, a security system accessory, a tire pressure monitoring system accessory, a remote fueling system accessory, a remote keyless entry system accessory, a garage door opener system accessory, an internet interface system accessory, a vehicle tracking system accessory, a remote car door unlock system accessory, an email system accessory, a toll booth transaction system accessory, a highway information system accessory, a traffic warning system accessory, and a home access system accessory.

182. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a transmitter.

183. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises an antenna.

184. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a compass sensor.

185. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a cellular phone system accessory.

186. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a toll booth transaction system accessory.

187. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a tire pressure monitoring system accessory.

188. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a garage door opener system accessory.

189. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a remote keyless entry system accessory.

190. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a receiver.

191. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 129, wherein said at least one vehicular accessory comprises a GPS system accessory.

174. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 174, wherein said body includes a cross-section dimension, a body length, and a ratio of said cross-section dimension to said body length greater than 1.

175. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 174, wherein said ratio is greater than 2.

176. The rain sensor mounting system according to claim 174, wherein said ratio is greater than 3.