Head-Up Display Projection Unit for Adjustable Virtual Distances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up displays are limited to presenting information at only two virtual distances and require significant assembly space, which is a constraint in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A projection unit with a mirror arrangement comprising two flat mirrors, where the distance and angle of incidence between the mirrors are adjustable, allowing for the presentation of images at multiple virtual distances while minimizing assembly space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional head-up display components are used, then the system can present information at fixed virtual distances, but the assembly space required is comparably large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mirror arrangement adjustable rather than fixed. The distance between the first and second mirrors can be varied, and the angle of incidence can be changed, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different virtual distance requirements while maintaining a compact form factor. This transforms a static optical path into a configurable one, resolving the contradiction between compact size and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the optical path parameters - specifically the mirror separation distance and the angle of incidence - to achieve different virtual image distances. By changing these physical parameters of the light path, the system can present information at multiple virtual distances without requiring a large assembly space, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional head-up display components are used, then the system structure is simple, but the assembly space required is comparably large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical path into distinct segments with individual mirrors. The first mirror, second mirror, and projector element are separate, independently adjustable components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for compactness while the overall system achieves the desired functionality through coordinated arrangement, reducing the total assembly space without excessive complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mirror arrangement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the virtual distance adjustment capability is limited to two distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional mirror arrangement that can serve multiple virtual distance requirements. The same first and second mirrors, when adjusted to different positions and angles, can present information at various virtual distances, making the system universal rather than dedicated to a single function. This resolves the contradiction by achieving multi-functionality with a relatively simple adjustable structure.
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 enables the projection unit to present information at various virtual distances with reduced space requirements, enhancing driver awareness and reducing the need to look away from the road.
Implementation Method 1
The first mirror and the second mirror are arranged at a first distance from each other such that the light beam is repeatedly reflected from the first mirror towards the second mirror, and from the second mirror back towards the first mirror before leaving the mirror arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A projection unit for a head-up display including a projector element and a mirror arrangement. The projector element is configured to emit a light beam. The mirror arrangement includes a first mirror and a second mirror. The first mirror is a flat mirror. The second mirror is a flat mirror spaced apart from and in parallel to the first mirror. The projector element is configured to emit the light beam towards the first mirror at an angle of incidence. The first mirror and the second mirror are arranged at a first distance from each other such that the light beam is repeatedly reflected from the first mirror towards the second mirror, and from the second mirror back towards the first mirror before leaving the mirror arrangement. At least one of the first distance between the first mirror and the second mirror, and the angle of incidence is adjustable.