Microstructured HUD Optical Element for Sunlight Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HUDs in vehicles struggle with sun-dimming issues, affecting display quality and reducing component lifespan due to large blocking covers obstructing the driver's view and interfering with image light emission.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with microstructure layers and light blocking layers is designed to control light direction, using parallel transparent surfaces and partial light blocking to minimize interference between incident and emitted light, enhancing light efficiency and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a large blocking cover is used to block sunlight, then sun-dimming effect is improved, but the driver's line of sight is obstructed and image light emission is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking cover is divided into multiple light blocking layers with different optical densities arranged in parallel. Each layer blocks sunlight in specific regions while allowing image light to pass through in other regions, achieving both sun-dimming and maintaining driver visibility
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the blocking cover have different optical densities - some regions have high optical density to block sunlight, while other regions have low optical density to allow image light transmission. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between blocking sunlight and maintaining visibility
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large blocking cover is used to block sunlight, then sun-dimming effect is improved, but image light emission from HUD is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking cover is segmented into multiple light blocking layers with different optical densities. Each layer is positioned to block sunlight from specific angles while allowing image light to pass through designated regions, thus protecting HUD components without interfering with image emission
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single large opaque cover, the invention uses multiple transparent layers with varying optical densities. The layers are arranged so that their combined effect blocks sunlight while individually allowing image light transmission, inverting the traditional approach of using one large blocking element
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional blocking covers are used, then sunlight is blocked, but service life of HUD components is reduced due to poor sun-dimming
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking cover is divided into multiple light blocking layers with different optical densities. This segmented structure provides more effective and uniform sunlight blocking across different regions, improving the overall sun-dimming effect and thereby protecting HUD components from excessive heat and light exposure, extending their service life
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking cover uses composite structure with multiple layers of different optical densities. This composite approach creates a more effective thermal and optical barrier against sunlight, better protecting the HUD components from degradation and extending their operational lifespan
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 blocks ambient light, reduces interference, and extends the lifespan of HUD components by maintaining high light transmittance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element 100... transmits an image light L1 incident from a lower surface 11 to an upper surface 12 in a same direction as an incident direction of the image light L1
Implementation Method 2
Each of the light blocking layers 4 partially covers a corresponding surface of one of the first protrusions 21 or a corresponding surface of one of the second protrusions 31... reduce interference between light incident from the upper surface 12 and light incident from the lower surface 11
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a first microstructure layer, a substrate and a second microstructure layer arranged in sequence. The first microstructure layer includes a plurality of first protrusions, each of the first protrusions comprises a first transparent surface configured for transmitting light. The second microstructure layer includes a plurality of second protrusions, each of the second protrusions comprises a second transparent surface configured for transmitting light. The optical element also includes a plurality of light blocking layers, each of the blocking layers covers a corresponding surface of one of the first protrusions or a surface of one of the second protrusions. The surface covered by the blocking layer intersects with the first transparent surface of the first protrusions or the second transparent surface of the second protrusions. A head up display and a vehicle are further disclosed.