Hexagonal Mirror Spatial Light Modulator with Hidden Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-mirror based spatial light modulators face challenges in producing bright and high contrast display images due to light scattering from holes in mirror plates and inefficient light utilization, as well as the need for large gaps between mirrors to accommodate structural members.
Innovation Solution
A spatial light modulator featuring a two-dimensional array of hexagonal mirror plates in a honeycomb pattern, where each mirror is supported by structural members with gaps between them, and the structural members are not located in these gaps, allowing for close packing and minimizing light loss, with the mirrors tilting around hidden hinge components and having no holes on their upper surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If holes are included in mirror plates to accommodate structural members, then structural support is achieved, but light scattering increases and display contrast deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structural members are relocated from the upper surface (2D plane) to the lower surface of the mirror plates, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the conflict between structural support and light transmission. This allows the upper reflective surfaces to remain hole-free while still providing necessary mechanical support through hidden hinges and support structures at the bottom.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful holes are extracted from the upper reflective surfaces and relocated to the lower surfaces. The structural members are taken out from the light path and positioned underneath the mirror plates, eliminating their detrimental effect on light scattering while preserving their structural function.
2Strength
If gaps between adjacent mirror plates are enlarged to accommodate structural members, then structural support is achieved, but light utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural members are positioned in the vertical dimension (underneath the mirror plates) rather than occupying horizontal space between mirrors. This dimensional relocation allows mirror plates to be closely packed with minimal gaps, maximizing light utilization efficiency while still providing structural support through the hidden hinge mechanism.
3Strength
If structural members are located in gaps between mirror plates, then support is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and the mirror plate structure are merged into a single integrated unit. The hidden hinges and support members are combined with the mirror plate assembly, eliminating the need for separate support structures in the gaps. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural members are extracted from the gap region and integrated into the underside of the mirror plates. This extraction eliminates the need for additional components in the gaps and simplifies the overall device architecture by consolidating support functions within the mirror plate assembly itself.
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 design enhances light utilization and reduces light scattering, resulting in brighter and higher contrast display images with improved sharpness by minimizing gaps and eliminating holes on the reflective surfaces of the hexagonal mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
each of the hexagonal mirror plates is supported by one or more structural members
Implementation Method 2
The mirror plate tilts to an 'on' position, wherein the micro mirror plate directs incident light to a display device, and to an 'off' position, wherein the micro mirror plate directs incident light away from the display device
Implementation Method 3
The mirror plate can be stopped by mechanical stops at the 'on' or the 'off' positions so that the orientation of the mirror plate can be precisely defined at these two positions
Data Source
AI summary
A spatial light modulator includes a two-dimensional array of hexagonal mirror plates disposed in a honeycomb pattern over a substrate. Each of the hexagonal mirror plates is supported by one or more structural members. There is a gap between adjacent hexagonal mirror plates. The structural members are not located in the gap.