Ambient Light Illuminated Display Mirror Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Illuminating display systems in vehicles, particularly rearview devices, face challenges with high energy consumption and complex design due to reliance on light-emitting diodes, which increases energy usage and requires time-intensive tuning of LED backlit curves.
Innovation Solution
A display mirror assembly that incorporates a light gathering structure to harness ambient light using fiber optics and an electro-optic element, which relays this light to a display module, reducing the need for powerful light sources and optimizing energy use, while also allowing for a thin-profile and low-cost design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED backlighting is used to illuminate the display module, then the display can be illuminated, but energy consumption increases and heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses ambient light from the environment to illuminate the display module through fiber optic elements, eliminating the need for power-consuming LED backlighting. The electro-optic element modulates this ambient light to create the display output, allowing the display to 'service itself' using freely available environmental resources rather than requiring additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical/optical system of LED backlighting with an optical-mechanical system using fiber optic light guides and electro-optic modulation. This substitution uses passive optical elements to transport and modulate ambient light, replacing the active electrical illumination system with a passive optical transport system that requires no power.
2Illumination intensity
If LED backlighting is used to illuminate the display module, then the display can be illuminated, but device complexity increases due to tuning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the illumination function from the display system by using separate fiber optic light guides to deliver ambient light to the electro-optic element. This separation removes the complex LED backlighting assembly and its associated control circuitry, leaving only the electro-optic modulation function, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic elements act as intermediaries between the ambient light source and the electro-optic element, simplifying the system by using a passive optical medium to transport light rather than requiring complex active illumination systems. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct electrical connection and control between power sources and the display medium.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a light gathering structure with fiber optics is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic elements serve multiple functions: they gather ambient light, transport it through the housing, and deliver it to the electro-optic element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for light gathering, light transport, and illumination control, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of fiber optic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic elements can be implemented as thin, flexible light guides that can be integrated into the housing structure without requiring bulky components. This allows the light gathering and transport function to be achieved with minimal space and structural complexity, maintaining a sleek profile while reducing energy consumption.
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
This solution provides an energy-efficient and cost-effective means of illuminating displays in vehicles, minimizing energy consumption, reducing heat, and simplifying design by leveraging ambient light, resulting in a lighter and more efficient system that adapts brightness based on ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A light gathering structure is operably coupled with a first side of the electro-optic element and is configured to draw ambient light from outside the housing
Implementation Method 2
An electro-optic element is disposed within the housing
Implementation Method 3
An internal fiber optic element is operably coupled with a second side of the second electro-optic element and is configured to relay light from the second electro-optic element to the display module
Data Source
AI summary
A display mirror assembly having a housing. An electro-optic element is disposed within the housing. A light gathering structure is operably coupled with a first side of the electro-optic element and is configured to draw ambient light from outside the housing. A display module is disposed within the housing and is operable between an on state and an off state. A light relaying structure is operably coupled with a second side of the electro-optic element and is configured to relay light from the electro-optic element to a first edge of the display module. A backlit module is disposed at a second edge of the display module.