Energy Directing Surface Non-Zero Deflection Angle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy directing devices often have energy propagation axes aligned with the normal to the energy projection surface, limiting the ability to focus energy rays to a more localized region or converge them closer to the surface.
Innovation Solution
The energy directing system employs an array of energy waveguides configured to direct energy along different propagation paths from various energy source locations, with each propagation path having a four-dimensional coordinate. This system allows for non-zero deflection angles, enabling energy to be directed at varying angles relative to the normal of the energy directing surface, and can include optical elements or metamaterials to achieve desired deflection gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If energy propagation axes are aligned with the normal to the energy projection surface, then the energy directing device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to focus energy rays to a localized region is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a deflection angle that varies across different regions of the energy directing surface. Each location on the surface has a specific deflection angle tailored to its position, allowing energy rays to be focused to localized regions while maintaining overall system simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by making the surface properties location-dependent rather than uniform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of energy propagation direction by introducing a deflection angle that differs from the traditional normal alignment. This parameter change enables energy rays to be directed at various angles relative to the surface normal, improving focusing capability while the deflection angle itself becomes the new design parameter that can be optimized for manufacturing.
2Device complexity
If energy propagation axes are aligned with the normal to the energy projection surface, then the device complexity is low, but the convergence distance of energy rays to the surface is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by assigning different deflection angles to different locations on the energy directing surface. This allows energy rays from various sources to converge at specific distances from the surface by tailoring the local propagation direction, thereby extending convergence distance without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding angular deflection capability beyond the traditional normal alignment constraint. This dimensional change in propagation direction enables energy rays to converge at different distances from the surface by utilizing angular coordinates, effectively extending the convergence distance space without adding complex mechanical structures.
3Productivity
If non-zero deflection angles are introduced to focus energy rays, then the energy distribution is enhanced and field of view is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the propagation parameter by introducing a deflection angle that can be controlled through the energy directing surface design. This parameter change enables enhanced energy distribution and expanded field of view by directing energy rays at various angles, while the deflection angle itself serves as a controllable parameter rather than requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical complexity with optical/energy field control by using the deflection angle parameter to achieve energy focusing and distribution. Instead of using complex mechanical structures to redirect energy, the system uses controlled angular deflection of energy propagation paths, thereby enhancing productivity while minimizing device complexity.
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 system effectively focuses energy rays into a more localized region, allowing for a closer convergence of energy rays to the energy directing surface, thereby enhancing the energy distribution and increasing the field of view for holographic displays.
Implementation Method 1
an array of energy waveguides configured to direct energy along different propagation paths from various energy source locations
Implementation Method 2
an optical element disposed in the propagation paths of at least a first energy waveguide of the array of energy waveguides, the optical element configured to receive energy along the plurality of propagation paths of the first energy waveguide and redirect energy along a plurality of deflected propagation paths
Data Source
AI summary
Non-zero deflection angle may be effected by implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure to allow for directing projected energy to a desired region, such as a region closer to the energy directing surface.