Curved Display Light Guide Assembly for Uniform Vehicle Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital display apparatus in motor vehicles face challenges in demanding lighting conditions, particularly due to uncontrollable external lighting, which affects the visibility of curved displays, and existing solutions for consumer electronics do not adequately address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A digital display apparatus featuring a flexible optical film with microstructures adhered to a rigid light transporter, optimized for homogenous light extraction and transmission, using an optically transparent adhesive to create an integrated light guide with a matching refractive index, suitable for large, curved displays in motor vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a curved digital display is implemented in a motor vehicle, then aesthetic appeal and user experience are improved, but visibility under uncontrollable external lighting conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved display shapeVSAvoiddisplay visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing a light guide structure specifically at the edges and periphery of the curved display. This localized illumination approach ensures that critical display areas receive enhanced lighting without altering the overall curved shape, thereby maintaining aesthetic appeal while improving visibility under varying external lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-installing edge-mounted light sources and light guide structures before the display is installed in the vehicle. This ensures that the illumination system is already optimized and positioned to counteract external lighting conditions such as sunlight or streetlights, providing consistent visibility from the moment the vehicle is operated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Illumination intensity

If conventional conical optical structures are used to extract light rays, then illumination is increased, but the solution is not suitable for motor vehicle applications due to general consumer electronics design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidsuitability for motor vehicle application
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adapts conventional conical optical structures by positioning them specifically at the edges and periphery of the display rather than distributing them uniformly. This localized configuration optimizes light extraction for the specific viewing angles and lighting conditions encountered in motor vehicle applications, making the solution suitable for this environment while maintaining high illumination efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by designing an illumination system that adapts to the dynamic lighting conditions in motor vehicles. The edge-mounted light sources and light guide structures work together to provide adjustable and directional illumination that can counteract varying external lighting conditions such as sunlight, streetlights, and interior cabin lighting, ensuring consistent display visibility throughout the day and night.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If light sources are placed at the edge of the display, then illumination homogeneity is improved, but the complexity of the light transport system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination homogeneityVSAvoidlight transport system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an intermediary light guide structure that acts as a mediator between the edge-mounted light sources and the display surface. This light guide efficiently transports light from the edges across the entire display area, distributing illumination uniformly while keeping the overall system design relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional display surface to a three-dimensional light transport system. The light guide structure extends into the depth dimension, allowing light to be transported efficiently from the edges through the thickness of the display, thereby achieving uniform illumination while managing the complexity of the light transport path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances illumination homogeneity and visibility in varying lighting conditions, optimizing light transmission for large, curved displays in motor vehicles, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible optical film operable to extract light rays transmitted through the rigid light transporter towards a viewing area, the flexible optical film further comprises at least one microstructure having a curvature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight extraction through microstructures: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an optically transparent adhesive deposited between the rigid light transporter and the flexible optical film... the optically transparent adhesive, the rigid light transporter and the flexible optical film has a matching refractive index

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through adhesive: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4299976A1A digital display apparatus and method of assembling the same
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP4299976A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4299976A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4299976A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A digital display apparatus and method of assembling the same is disclosed. The digital apparatus comprises a light source operable to emit light rays; and a rigid light transporter operable to transmit emitted light rays from the light source towards a viewing area. The digital display apparatus further comprises a flexible optical film operable to extract light rays transmitted through the rigid light transporter towards the viewing area, the flexible optical film further comprises at least one microstructure having a curvature; and the flexible optical film is adhered to a curved surface of the rigid light transporter, with a peak of the curvature of the at least one microstructure opposing the curved surface of the rigid light transporter.