Adjustable Head-Up Display With Retractable Combiner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up display devices for vehicles lack adjustable projection distance and user-specific ergonomic settings, which are crucial for optimal visibility and protection of optical components from environmental influences.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display device with a retractable combiner and an optical system comprising two deviation mirrors, allowing adjustment of the projection distance and user-controlled positioning of the virtual image through a mechanism driven by an electric motor, enabling precise alignment and protection of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed combiner is used in head-up display devices, then the optical components are protected from environmental influences, but the projection distance cannot be adjusted for different users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable combiner that can be positioned at different locations along an optical path defined by two deviation mirrors. This dynamic positioning capability allows the projection distance to be adjusted for different users while maintaining a relatively compact optical system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces two deviation mirrors as intermediary optical elements that redirect the light path between the projector and the movable combiner. These mirrors enable the combiner to be repositioned along a defined optical path without requiring a complete redesign of the optical system.
2Reliability
If the combiner is made retractable to protect optical components, then component protection is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable combiner is integrated into the housing structure of the head-up display device, with the combiner being storable within the housing when not in use. This nesting approach protects the optical components while minimizing the additional space required for the retractable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic protection of optical components through the retractable combiner mechanism, which can be positioned to cover or expose the optical path as needed, reducing the need for additional protective structures.
3Ease of operation
If the projection distance is fixed, then the optical system remains simple, but user-specific ergonomic settings cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner is designed to be movable along a predetermined optical path, allowing users to adjust the projection distance to suit their ergonomic needs. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a relatively simple mechanism that repositions the combiner within the defined optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is segmented into discrete positions where the combiner can be located, allowing for adjustable projection distances. This segmentation approach enables user-specific settings while maintaining a manageable adjustment mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides adjustable projection distance and user-specific positioning of the virtual image, enhancing ergonomics and protecting the optical components, thereby improving visibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The first mirror is arranged to receive the light beam from the projector and return it towards the second mirror, the latter being arranged to return the light beam on the optical path towards the combiner
Implementation Method 2
a combiner having a display position to display the information in the field of view of a user... a strip having the necessary optical properties to deviate at least a substantial part of the beam coming from the projection unit towards the user, while being sufficiently transparent to allow passage at the same time of a substantial part of the ambient light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a head-up display device, including a projector for generating a light beam carrying information to be displayed, a combiner having a display position for displaying the information in the field of vision of a user, and an optical system defining an optical path between the projector and the combiner when the latter is in the display position thereof, for directing the light beam onto the combiner. The optical system includes a first and a second deflecting mirror. The first mirror is arranged for receiving the light beam from the projector and for sending said light beam to the second mirror, the latter being arranged for sending the light beam over the optical path toward the combiner. An actuation system is provided for adjusting the length of the optical path between the projector and the combiner by positioning the first and second deflecting mirrors.