Folded Optical Path Head-Up Display for Compact Vehicle Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-up display devices (HUDs) face challenges in reducing size due to a linear optical path layout, which can interfere with vehicle components and limit the types of vehicles on which they can be mounted.
Innovation Solution
The HUD device incorporates a light source, condenser, adjuster, first reflector, display panel, second reflector, and third reflector, where the adjuster adjusts light according to the image display surface size, and includes a printed substrate, heat radiating member, and housing, with optical elements like aspherical mirrors to fold the optical path, reducing device size and improving light uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linear optical path configuration is used in the HUD device, then the optical path is simple to design, but the device size becomes large and interferes with vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fold mirror to change the optical path from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a folded two-dimensional configuration. This allows the optical components to be arranged in a compact space by reflecting light at an angle, effectively reducing the device volume while maintaining the linear optical path's simplicity in design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the HUD device is accommodated within the instrument panel, then the vehicle integration is improved, but the device size is constrained and may interfere with other components
Solution Approach 1:
By using a fold mirror to create a folded optical path, the device can be accommodated within the limited space of the instrument panel without requiring a large linear arrangement. This dimensional change in optical path configuration enables better vehicle integration while avoiding interference with other components.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical path is folded using reflectors, then the device size is reduced, but the optical path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into distinct functional sections: light source, condenser, adjuster, fold mirror, and display. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently optimized. The fold mirror specifically handles the spatial folding function, separating the complexity of size reduction from the overall optical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold mirror acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the linear optical path and the compact device layout. It introduces the necessary spatial transformation without requiring complex redesign of the entire optical system, thus reducing device size while maintaining manageable optical path complexity.
4Illumination intensity
If the adjuster is designed to uniformize light intensity distribution, then the image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster is designed to perform multiple functions: it adjusts the light beam size to match the display panel dimensions and simultaneously uniformizes the light intensity distribution. By combining these functions in a single component, the device complexity is minimized while achieving improved image quality with uniform illumination.
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
This configuration allows for a compact HUD device that minimizes interference with vehicle components, broadens the range of vehicles it can be mounted on, and enhances visibility by uniformizing light intensity distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser that condenses the light emitted from the light source in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
a first reflector that reflects the light emitted from the adjuster in a second direction different from the first direction
Implementation Method 3
a display that includes an image display surface forming the display image and emits the display light with the image display surface transmitting the light reflected by the first reflector
Implementation Method 4
a second reflector that reflects the display light being emitted from the display and being incident from above
Implementation Method 5
a third reflector that reflects the display light incident from the second reflector to the projection member
Implementation Method 6
a heat radiating member that thermally contacts the printed substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display device includes: a light source that emits light; a condenser that condenses the light emitted from the light source in a first direction; an adjuster that adjusts the light emitted from the condenser; a first reflector that reflects the light emitted from the adjuster in a second direction different from the first direction; a display that includes an image display surface forming a display image and emits a display light representing the display image with the image display surface transmitting the light reflected by the first reflector; a second reflector that reflects the display light being emitted from the display and being incident from above; and a third reflector that reflects the display light incident from the second reflector to the projection member. The adjuster adjusts the light emitted from the condenser according to a size of the image display surface.