Adjustable Light Engine Positioner for Waveguide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for displays, such as virtual and augmented reality headsets, face challenges in adjusting the position and angle of the light engine relative to the waveguide to maintain optimal image quality and alignment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a positioner system that allows the light engine to be rotated and laterally translated relative to the waveguide using various mechanisms such as fasteners, flexures, hinges, curved rails, cam and screw systems, rack and pinion systems, and piezoelectric actuators, enabling precise adjustment and locking of the light engine's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the light engine is fixed in position relative to the waveguide, then the device structure is simple, but the image quality and alignment cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing adjustable and reconfigurable optical elements within the light engine. Specifically, the light engine includes movable mirrors, adjustable lenses, and reconfigurable optical paths that can be dynamically positioned to optimize alignment with the waveguide. This allows the system to transition from a fixed to a dynamic configuration, enabling precise alignment adjustment without permanently complicating the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into modular components including the light engine, waveguide, and separate adjustment mechanisms. The light engine itself is divided into distinct functional modules (light source, optical elements, positioning mechanisms) that can be independently adjusted and optimized. This segmentation allows for precise alignment of each component with the waveguide while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through modular assembly.
2Reliability
If the light engine position is adjustable, then the image quality can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the light engine with adjustment mechanisms that serve multiple purposes. The same mechanical structures that enable position adjustment also provide alignment correction, focus control, and stability maintenance. For example, the adjustable mounts and positioning mechanisms not only optimize image quality but also compensate for manufacturing tolerances and maintain reliable operation under varying conditions, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple positioners are used to move the light engine in multiple directions, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple positioning functions into integrated adjustment mechanisms. Rather than using separate independent positioners for each degree of freedom, the light engine employs combined adjustment assemblies that can simultaneously control multiple parameters (position, angle, focus) through coordinated movement of shared mechanical components. This merging approach achieves high positioning precision across multiple directions while reducing the total number of discrete positioners and simplifying the overall device 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
This solution allows for precise adjustment of the light engine's position and angle, ensuring optimal image quality, alignment, and output characteristics, such as brightness and resolution, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the display system.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator, as examples
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide, which in turn guides the light to an eye box
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, such as a head-mounted device, may include a support structure and a display system coupled to the support structure. The display system may include a light engine that emits light into a waveguide, which in turn guides the light to an eye box. To reposition the light engine relative to the waveguide, a positioner may be included in the display system. In particular, the positioner may rotate and/or laterally translate the light engine relative the waveguide. The positioner may be a fastener that moves the light engine about a pivot point, a flexure, a hinge, a curved rail, a cam and screw, a rack and pinion, or a piezoelectric actuator, as examples. Multiple positioners may be used to move the light engine in multiple directions. The light engine may be moved manually or using a motor, such as in response to a sensor measurement.