HUD Infrared Light Splitting Element Thermal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head up display devices used in outdoor environments, such as vehicles, face damage due to high temperatures caused by concentrated sunlight, which exceeds the thermal limits of the display panel, reducing its service life.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an infrared light splitting element and detecting element to split and monitor ambient light beams, reducing light intensity to the image generation unit when it exceeds a predetermined threshold, and using a protection system like a light-shielding element or light beam modulating device to prevent damage from excessive light energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the head up display device is used in outdoor environments, then the driver can see information without looking at dashboard, but sunlight converges on display panel causing temperature to exceed upper limit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver visibility of informationVSAvoiddisplay panel temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful concentrated sunlight into a detectable signal by using an infrared detecting element to sense the infrared component of the converged light. This detection enables the system to trigger protective measures, transforming the harmful thermal effect into a useful detection mechanism that activates the protection system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an infrared detecting element as an intermediary between the converged sunlight and the display panel. This intermediary detects the infrared radiation from the concentrated light and triggers the protection system before the thermal damage can occur to the display panel, acting as an early warning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If ambient light beam converges to image generation unit, then light intensity increases, but this causes overheating and damage to display panel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensity at image generation unitVSAvoiddisplay panel durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the infrared detecting element continuously monitors the infrared component of ambient light. When the detected infrared intensity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically activates the protection system to reduce light intensity, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent takes preliminary protective action by detecting the infrared component of converging light before it causes thermal damage. The protection system is activated in advance when the infrared threshold is exceeded, preventing the visible light from causing overheating damage to the display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If light-shielding element is activated to block ambient light, then display panel is protected from overheating, but visibility of displayed information may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay panel temperature controlVSAvoidvisibility of displayed information
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using an infrared detecting element that specifically detects only the infrared component of the ambient light, while allowing visible light to pass through to the display panel. This selective detection enables protection activation without compromising the visibility of displayed information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits the different wavelengths (colors) of light by detecting the infrared component separately from the visible spectrum. The protection system can be activated based on infrared detection without blocking the visible light that carries the displayed information, maintaining visibility while preventing overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color 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

The solution effectively reduces the light intensity of ambient light beams reaching the image generation unit, preventing overheating and extending the service life of the head up display device by activating protective measures when high light intensities are detected.

Implementation Method 1

The infrared light splitting element may be configured to reflect a light beam with a wavelength greater than 700 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The at least one infrared light detecting element is located on a transmission path of the infrared light beam of the at least one ambient light beam, and configured to detect light intensity of the infrared light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4283378A1Head up display device
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 CORETRONIC CORPORATION
  • EP4283378A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4283378A1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4283378A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A head up display device includes an image generation unit, an imaging unit, an infrared light splitting element, and at least one infrared light detecting element. The infrared light splitting element is located on a transmission path of at least one ambient light beam, and configured to split an infrared light beam from the at least one ambient light beam. The at least one infrared light detecting element is located on a transmission path of the infrared light beam of the at least one ambient light beam, and configured to detect light intensity of the infrared light beam. When the at least one infrared light detecting element detects that the light intensity of the infrared light beam exceeds a predetermined threshold, the head up display device reduces light intensity of a portion of the at least one ambient light beam transmitted to the image generation unit.