Electrowetting IR Light Shaping for Object-Based Heating Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Infrared light sources lack the ability to dynamically shape their emitted light distribution pattern based on personalization or changing conditions, limiting their efficiency in applications such as heating and industrial processes.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an electrowetting lens, an electrowetting shutter, and an object detector, controlled by a processor, which varies the infrared light distribution pattern by refracting and blocking infrared light based on the location and temperature of objects in the illuminated area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If infrared light sources are used for heating and industrial processes, then heating efficiency is improved by matching wavelength to absorption characteristics, but the ability to dynamically shape the emitted light distribution pattern is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoiddynamic light distribution control

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electrowetting lenses and electrowetting shutters to dynamically adjust the infrared light distribution pattern in real-time. These electrowetting devices change their optical properties (focal length, aperture) by applying voltage, enabling the system to adapt the heating pattern to different objects and conditions while maintaining high heating efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters of the infrared light path by using electrowetting lenses to alter focal length and electrowetting shutters to adjust aperture size and position. These parameter changes enable dynamic shaping of the light distribution pattern without changing the infrared source itself, thus preserving heating efficiency while gaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrowetting lenses and shutters are added to control infrared light distribution, then dynamic light shaping capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic light distribution controlVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electrowetting lenses and electrowetting shutters as intermediary devices between the infrared source and the target object. These intermediaries provide the necessary light shaping functionality without requiring complex mechanical moving parts or multiple infrared sources, thus adding controlled complexity only where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical optical components (such as motorized lenses or shutters) with electrowetting-based components that use electrical fields instead of mechanical actuation. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the same or better dynamic control of infrared light distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precise control of infrared light distribution, allowing for personalized heating patterns and efficient energy use by directing heat to specific areas while maintaining or adjusting temperatures as needed.

Implementation Method 1

The electrowetting lens is arranged proximate to an infrared light source. The electrowetting lens is operable to vary a distribution pattern of infrared light from the infrared light source into an area.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The electrowetting shutter overlays the electrowetting lens. The electrowetting shutter is operable to an opaque state where infrared light from the infrared light source is blocked from projecting into at least a portion of the area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Data Source

PatentUS8379302B2Infrared light distribution pattern control using object detection and electrowetting devices

Publication Date: 2013.02.19 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

A system for controlling an infrared light distribution pattern that includes an electrowetting lens arranged proximate to an infrared light source, and operable to vary a distribution pattern of infrared light from the infrared light source into an area; an electrowetting shutter overlaying the electrowetting lens, and operable to an opaque state where infrared light from the infrared light source is blocked from projecting into at least a portion of the area, and operable to a transparent state where infrared light passes through the electrowetting shutter; an object detector configured to detect an object in the area; and a controller configured to receive a detection signal from the object detector, and operate the electrowetting lens and the electrowetting shutter in order to control the infrared light distribution pattern based on a location of the object. The pattern may be uniform or may be customized for the object being heated.