Rearview mirror element having a circuit mounted to the rear surface of the element

An electrochromic rearview mirror element for use in a vehicle, the electrochromic mirror element comprising:

• a first substrate having a front surface and a rear surface;
• a transparent second substrate positioned in front of said first substrate;
• an electrochromic medium disposed between said first and second substrates;
• first and second electrically conductive layers disposed between said first and second substrates and electrically coupled to said electrochromic medium;
• and
• electrically conductive tracings disposed on said rear surface of said first substrate and electrically coupled to said first and second electrically conductive layers.

A review mirror element for use in a vehicle, the rearview mirror element comprising:

• a first substrate having a front surface and a rear surface;
• a reflective coating disposed on at least one of said surface of said first substrate;
• and
• a switch comprising a first electrical contact disposed on one of said front and rear surfaces of said first substrate, wherein said switch is a membrane switch comprising a switch membrane with a movable electrical contact for selectively contacting said first electrical contact on said first substrate when said switch membrane is pressed.

A rearview mirror element for use in a vehicle, the rearview mirror element comprising:

• a first substrate having a front surface and a rear surface;
• a reflective coating disposed on at least one of said surfaces of said first substrate;
• and
• a switch comprising a first electrical contact disposed on one of said front and rear surfaces of said first substrate, wherein said switch is a touch sensitive switch that generates a signal when touched by a person.

A rearview mirror element for use in a vehicle, the rearview mirror element comprising:

• a first substrate having a front surface and a rear surface;
• a reflective coating disposed on at least one of said surfaces of said first substrate;
• and
• an LED secured to the rear surface of said first substrate, wherein at least a portion of said rear surface of said first substrate functions as a circuit board.

A rearview mirror element for use in a vehicle, the rearview mirror element comprising:

• a first substrate having a front surface and a rear surface;
• a reflective coating disposed on at least one of said surfaces of said first substrate;
• and
• a light sensor secured to the rear surface of said first substrate, wherein at least a portion of said rear surface of said first substrate functions as a circuit board.

A method of making a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, the method comprising:

• providing a mirror element having a rear surface and a front surface;
• inkjet printing conductive ink comprising a metal on one of the front and rear surfaces of the mirror element;
• providing a mirror housing having a bracket for attachment to a vehicle;
• and
• mounting the mirror element in the mirror housing.

A rearview mirror element for use in a vehicle, the rearview mirror element comprising:

• a first substrate having a front surface and a rear surface;
• a reflective coating disposed on at least one of said surfaces of said first substrate;
• and
• a heat sink mounted to said first substrate, wherein at least a portion of said rear surface of said first substrate functions as a circuit board.