Image Generator Clamping Structure for Compact Optical Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up displays are complex to assemble due to numerous optical, thermal, and mechanical elements, which complicates the integration process.
Innovation Solution
An image-generating device with a clamping mechanism that attaches the light source, reflector, and array of elements with variable transmittance within a main housing, utilizing centering grooves and tabs for alignment, and a thermally conductive support to simplify assembly and reduce spatial requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If numerous optical, thermal, and mechanical elements are used to generate high-quality images, then image quality is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple elements (light source, reflector, array of elements with variable transmittance, and protective cover) into a single integrated housing structure. This merging of previously separate components into one unified assembly reduces the number of individual parts that need to be handled during assembly, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the functional requirements for high-quality image generation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple attachment elements are used to secure components, then structural stability is improved, but assembly simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure integrates the attachment function directly into the housing walls, eliminating the need for separate attachment elements. The light source and reflector are clamped between the support and housing, while the array of elements with variable transmittance is clamped between the housing and protective cover, creating inherent structural stability through the housing design itself rather than through additional fasteners.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment mechanisms are added to ensure proper positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure incorporates alignment features directly into its walls, such as positioning ribs or tapered surfaces that guide the array of elements with variable transmittance into correct alignment during assembly. This integration of alignment functionality into the existing housing structure achieves accurate positioning without adding separate alignment mechanisms or increasing overall device complexity.
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
Simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of attachment elements and integrating a thermally conductive support to manage heat dissipation, thereby reducing complexity and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector configured to reflect the light beam toward an array of elements with variable transmittance
Implementation Method 2
the light source and the reflector being clamped between the support and the main housing attached to the support, the array of elements with variable transmittance being clamped between the main housing and the protective cover attached to the main housing
Implementation Method 3
the outer surface of the main housing comprises outer centering grooves, with the protective cover comprising centering tabs each configured to be inserted into a corresponding outer centering groove
Implementation Method 4
the device comprises a heat sink clamped between the main housing and the array of variable transmittance elements
Implementation Method 5
the main housing is made of a material exhibiting thermal conductivity that is greater than or equal to 20 W·m−1·K−1
Implementation Method 6
the main housing is coupled to a forced-convection cooling module
Data Source
AI summary
An image-generating device is disclosed. The image-generating device includes a light source configured to emit a light beam, a reflector configured to reflect the light beam toward an array of elements with variable transmittance, and a protective cover for the array of elements with variable transmittance attached to the array of elements with variable transmittance. The device includes a main housing configured to be attached to a support of the light source. The light source and the reflector are clamped between the support and the main housing attached to the support. The array of elements with variably transmittance are clamped between the main housing and the protective cover attached to the main housing.