Head-Up Display Light Diffusion Ceramic for Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up displays face issues with heat buildup due to powerful light beams, particularly when ambient light is high, leading to increased internal temperatures in variable transmittance element matrices, which can be exacerbated by sunlight reflection.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a light diffusion element made of high thermal conductivity translucent ceramic, such as magnesium oxide or aluminum oxide, in contact with a heat sink, to dissipate heat generated by the light source, and using a liquid crystal matrix with a reflector and folding mirror to project images onto a partially transparent blade.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a powerful upstream light beam is generated to ensure visibility in high ambient light conditions, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the internal temperature of the variable transmittance element matrix increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoidinternal temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A light diffusion element made of translucent ceramic with high thermal conductivity is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the variable transmittance element matrix. This mediator serves dual functions: it diffuses the light beam to improve angular spread and visibility, while simultaneously conducting heat away from the matrix to prevent temperature buildup that would compromise operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If sunlight is reflected and focused by mirror systems, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the internal temperature of the variable transmittance element matrix increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoidinternal temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful concentrated sunlight into a beneficial thermal management solution. The high thermal conductivity ceramic diffusion element, positioned to receive both artificial and natural light, acts as a heat sink that captures and dissipates the thermal energy from focused sunlight, preventing it from damaging the variable transmittance element matrix while maintaining the illumination function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Illumination intensity

If a light diffusion element with low thermal conductivity is used, then the angular spread of the light beam is improved, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular spreadVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the diffusion element by selecting translucent ceramic materials with high thermal conductivity values. This parameter change enables the diffusion element to simultaneously achieve its primary function of increasing angular spread while also serving as an effective heat dissipation pathway, resolving the contradiction between light diffusion and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively dissipates heat from the variable transmittance elements, maintaining the display's operational efficiency and visibility even in bright conditions by utilizing a high thermal conductivity material to manage thermal stress.

Implementation Method 1

The diffusion element thus has good thermal conductivity and can therefore help to dissipate the heat produced by the illumination of the matrix by the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

using a liquid crystal matrix with a reflector and folding mirror to project images onto a partially transparent blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal optical modulation: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 3

an image generation device adapted to generate a light beam and a device for projecting this light beam towards a partially transparent blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

a projection device adapted to reflect the downstream light beam towards a partially transparent blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3663813B1Device for the generation of images and associated head-up display
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • EP3663813B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

An image generation device (3) comprises at least one light source (6) producing an upstream light beam (L), an array (5) of variable transmittance elements illuminated by the upstream light beam (L) and producing a downstream light beam representing an image, and a light-difference element (8) interposed between the light source (6) and the array (5). The light-difference element (8) is made of translucent ceramic. An associated head-up display is also described.