Electrochromic Reflection Assembly for Heat-Robust Image Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image projection devices for automotive vehicles face issues with thermal hotspots, heat dissipation, and mechanical robustness, particularly in technologies using micromirrors, microLEDs, and laser scanned MEMS.

Innovation Solution

An image projection device utilizing a multilayer structure comprising a substrate, a metal layer, and a layer of electrochromic material with encapsulated cells connected to electrodes, controlled by an electrical circuit to vary voltage and color, allowing for dynamic image projection without hotspots or heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If micromirrors or microLEDs are used to produce the projected image, then image projection capability is achieved, but thermal hotspots and heat dissipation problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage projection capabilityVSAvoidthermal hotspots

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/optical modulation systems (micromirrors, microLEDs) with an electrochromic material-based system. The electrochromic layer modulates light transmission through electrochemical reactions rather than mechanical movement or high-current LED operation, eliminating the thermal hotspot problems associated with conventional approaches while maintaining image projection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If laser scanned MEMS are used for image projection, then dynamic image capability is achieved, but mechanical robustness against vibrations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic image capabilityVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical scanning components (MEMS mirrors) by using an electrochromic material that can dynamically change its optical properties through electrical control. This solid-state electrochemical system has no moving parts, making it inherently robust against mechanical vibrations while maintaining dynamic image projection capability through electrical modulation of the electrochromic layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If conventional image projection technologies are used, then image projection is achieved, but device bulk and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage projectionVSAvoiddevice bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the electrochromic material layer serves simultaneously as the image modulation element, eliminating the need for separate mechanical scanners, multiple LED arrays, or complex optical shuttles. This consolidation dramatically reduces device bulk and complexity while maintaining full image projection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electrochromic material that can dynamically change its optical transmission parameters (from transparent to colored states) through applied voltage. This parameter change capability allows a single static layer to replace multiple dynamic components, reducing overall device complexity and bulk while achieving dynamic image projection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables high-resolution, dynamic image projection with varied colors and patterns, offering improved robustness and reduced bulk compared to prior art solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a layer of electrochromic material comprising at least one cell which is encapsulated in an electrolyte layer and connected to a pair of electrodes, the image projection device furthermore comprising an electrical control circuit which is able to vary a voltage applied to the pair of electrodes so as to vary a color of said at least one cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

an image formation module comprising a reflection assembly which is able to reflect light rays from the luminous source as a reflected beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250383570A1Image-projection device with reflection using electrochromic material

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

The invention relates to an image projection device. The image projection device including a luminous source for emitting light rays, an image formation module including a reflection assembly which is able to reflect light rays from the luminous source as a reflected beam, an optical projection system which is placed in the path of the reflected beam and is able to project an image formed by the image formation module. The reflection assembly includes a multilayer structure including a substrate, a metal layer and a layer of electrochromic material including at least one cell, the at least one cell being encapsulated in an electrolyte layer and connected to a pair of electrodes. The image projection device further includes an electrical control circuit which is able to vary a voltage applied to the pair of electrodes so as to vary a color of the at least one cell.