Folded Optical Path for Compact Vehicle Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems require a larger size to maintain a sufficient viewing distance for drivers, which reduces cabin space and increases the overall size of the display device, necessitating a reduction in size while maintaining viewing distance.
Innovation Solution
A display system with a reflective optical path configuration that includes a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a last reflective surface, where the light beam from the display device travels along intersecting optical paths to increase the total length of the optical path, allowing for a reduced interval between reflective surfaces and a smaller overall size, while maintaining the viewing distance by reflecting the image to appear farther away from the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance from the monitor to the concave mirror is increased to maintain viewing distance, then the viewing distance is preserved, but the overall size of the display device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third reflective surface to create a folded optical path that extends in multiple dimensions rather than a single linear direction. The light beam reflects from the display device to the third reflective surface, then to the concave mirror, creating a three-dimensional optical path that achieves the required viewing distance without proportionally increasing the physical footprint of the display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the optical path within the existing display device structure by adding the third reflective surface that redirects light through available internal space. This allows the optical path to be folded back on itself, effectively nesting the extended path within the device's form factor constraints.
2Volume of moving object
If the overall size of the display device is reduced to increase cabin space, then cabin space is increased, but the viewing distance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the optical path using the third reflective surface, the patent extends the effective optical distance without increasing the external dimensions of the display device. The light travels a longer path through strategic reflections in three-dimensional space, maintaining viewing distance while keeping the device compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple reflection stages: from the display device to the third reflective surface, then to the concave mirror, and finally to the driver's eyes. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally within the compact form factor while collectively achieving the required viewing distance.
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 configuration reduces the overall size of the display system while maintaining the desired viewing distance, allowing for a more compact design without compromising the driver's ability to focus on the displayed image.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflective surface is configured to reflect the light beam emerging from the display device toward the second reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
The second reflective surface is configured to reflect, toward the last reflective surface, the light beam reflected from the first reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
The last reflective surface is configured to reflect a light beam emerging from the display device toward a space outside of the display system
Data Source
AI summary
A display system according to the present disclosure includes at least a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface on an optical path leading from a display device to a last reflective surface. The first reflective surface reflects a light beam emerging from the display device toward the second reflective surface. The second reflective surface reflects, toward the last reflective surface, the light beam reflected from the first reflective surface. The light beam emerging from the display device travels along a first optical path leading from a display screen of the display device to the first reflective surface and then travels along a second optical path leading from the second reflective surface to the last reflective surface. The first optical path and the second optical path intersect with each other before the light beam impinges on the last reflective surface.