Convex Free-Form Microstructure for Thin Display Collimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collimating light in smart displays, such as providing holes in thin films or adding absorption gratings, result in reduced backlight brightness by more than 40% and increased module thickness, failing to meet requirements for low power consumption and ultra-thin module structures.
Innovation Solution
A collimating device with microstructure portions featuring a convex free-form surface and specific refractive index relationships, which collimates light rays through total internal reflection and refraction, improving luminance efficiency while maintaining a thin structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If holes are provided in thin films or absorption gratings are added for collimating light, then light collimation is achieved, but backlight brightness is reduced by more than 40% and module thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a convex free-form surface with a specific mathematical formulation instead of traditional flat or simple curved structures. This complex curved surface design enables effective light collimation while maintaining a thin profile, resolving the contradiction between achieving collimation and maintaining thinness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the refractive index relationship between the microstructure portion and surrounding media, and precisely controls the geometric parameters of the convex free-form surface. By changing these physical and geometric parameters, the device achieves high collimation efficiency without sacrificing brightness or increasing thickness.
2Illumination intensity
If holes are provided in thin films or absorption gratings are added for collimating light, then light collimation is achieved, but backlight brightness is reduced by more than 40%
Solution Approach 1:
The convex free-form surface with its sophisticated curved geometry provides effective light collimation in a single integrated structure, avoiding the need for multiple separate components like holes and gratings. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high brightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple light control functions into a single microstructure portion with a convex free-form surface, integrating what would traditionally require separate hole structures and absorption gratings. This merger simplifies the overall device structure while achieving the desired optical performance.
3Productivity
If traditional collimating structures are used, then light collimation is achieved, but luminance efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the refractive index matching between the microstructure portion and surrounding media, and precisely controlling the geometric parameters of the convex free-form surface, the invention maximizes light extraction efficiency and luminance while maintaining effective collimation, directly resolving the contradiction between luminance efficiency and brightness.
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 achieves near-collimated light beams with improved luminance efficiency, enhancing brightness and maintaining the thinness and low power consumption necessary for smart displays.
Implementation Method 1
collimates light rays through total internal reflection and refraction
Implementation Method 2
collimates light rays through total internal reflection and refraction
Data Source
AI summary
A collimating device includes at least one microstructure portion. Each microstructure portion includes a bottom surface; a side surface connected to the bottom surface, an angle between the side surface and the bottom surface being an obtuse angle; and a top surface opposite to the bottom surface and connected to the side surface, the top surface being a convex free-form surface.