Diffractive Combiner for Color HUD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-up display devices with diffractive combiners face challenges in mass production due to complexity, stability issues, and limited control over optical characteristics, particularly when displaying full-color images, as they require multiple layers sensitive to UV radiation and complex alignment, leading to compromised performance and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A diffractive combiner design featuring a single support with multiplexed optical diffraction gratings on both sides, manufactured using nano-lithography, allowing for precise control over diffraction efficiency and eliminating the need for protective layers, enabling mass production of a stable, full-color capable head-up display device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holographic layers are used to display full-color images, then color capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength-specific diffraction gratings into a single multiplexed grating structure. Instead of stacking separate holographic layers for different colors, the invention integrates red, green, and blue diffraction gratings into one monolithic combiner component, eliminating the need for multiple layers while maintaining full-color display capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single combiner component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it diffracts multiple wavelengths (red, green, blue) in different directions, acts as a beam splitter, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components or layers for each function
2Manufacturing precision
If photosensitive plates are used to manufacture diffractive combiners, then optical characteristics can be recorded, but manufacturing stability and reliability deteriorate due to UV sensitivity and individualized production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile photosensitive plates with a robust monolithic combiner made from durable materials. The new design eliminates UV-sensitive holographic layers and protective coatings, using instead a stable single-piece structure that can be manufactured through more reliable processes without being degraded by environmental factors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from photosensitive material recording to direct fabrication of diffraction gratings on a monolithic substrate. This parameter change in both material selection and manufacturing process eliminates UV sensitivity while maintaining precise optical characteristics through controlled grating fabrication
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple diffractive layers are stacked and glued together, then full-color diffraction is achieved, but manufacturing precision worsens due to alignment difficulties and potential peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple diffractive functions into a single monolithic combiner component. Instead of stacking and aligning separate layers, the invention fabricates multiple diffraction gratings within one continuous piece of material, eliminating alignment issues and peeling problems entirely
Solution Approach 2:
Within the monolithic structure, the patent creates distinct diffractive zones for different wavelengths (red, green, blue) that are spatially segmented but structurally integrated. This segmentation of optical function within a unified structure achieves multi-wavelength diffraction without the manufacturing defects of layered assembly
4Productivity
If conventional diffractive combiners are used for mass production, then production volume increases, but manufacturing precision and optical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters from complex multi-layer assembly to single-piece fabrication processes. This enables mass production through standardized manufacturing while maintaining optical stability, as each combiner is produced as a consistent monolithic unit without variable assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The universal monolithic combiner design serves as a single standardized component that can be mass-produced and applied across different full-color HUD systems. This standardized multi-functional component maintains optical precision while enabling scalable manufacturing
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 simplifies production, enhances stability, and improves diffraction efficiency, allowing for precise control over luminance and color weighting, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies by using a single-layer combiner that can accurately project full-color images without parasitic virtual images in the driver's field of view.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical diffraction grating configured to diffract, in a diffraction direction, light of a first wavelength incident on the first optical diffraction grating according to a direction of incidence, a second optical diffraction grating configured to diffract, in the same diffraction direction, light of a second wavelength incident on the second optical diffraction grating according to the direction of incidence
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a diffractive combiner (10) for a color head-up display (HUD) device (18), wherein said diffractive combiner includes a first optical diffraction grating (14) adapted for diffracting, in a diffraction direction, light having a first wavelength and which is incident on the first grating in an incidence direction, a second optical diffraction grating (16) adapted for diffracting, in the same direction, light having a second wavelength and which is incident on the second grating in the incidence direction. The first and second optical diffraction gratings are formed in relief on first and second opposite surfaces of the combiner. The first and/or second grating is made as a wavelength multiplex optical diffraction grating and is adapted for diffracting in the diffraction direction light at a third wavelength impacting the first and/or second optical diffraction grating in the incidence direction.