Light Guide Connection Geometry for Line Nonuniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale illumination devices with connected light guides suffer from line nonuniformity issues due to the configuration of connection portions, affecting display quality and visibility of line nonuniformities on both the light source and opposite sides.
Innovation Solution
The illumination device employs a specific connection surface geometry between light guides, including oblique and perpendicular connection surfaces, which minimizes line nonuniformity by optimizing the taper angles and lengths of these surfaces, making the connection portions inconspicuous.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light guides are connected to form large-scale illumination devices, then the illumination area is expanded, but line nonuniformity appears at connection portions
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple light guides that are connected together. Each light guide has connection portions with specific geometric features (oblique and perpendicular connection surfaces) that segment the light path in a controlled manner to minimize line nonuniformity while maintaining overall illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portions of the light guides are given special local geometric qualities with specific taper angles and surface orientations (oblique and perpendicular surfaces). These localized geometric modifications at the connection portions reduce line nonuniformity without affecting the overall illumination performance of the entire light guide system.
2Ease of manufacture
If connection portions are designed with simple geometry, then manufacturing is easier, but line nonuniformity becomes noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portions are designed with specific geometric parameters including taper angles and surface orientations (oblique and perpendicular surfaces). By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves a balance between manufacturability and line uniformity, reducing noticeable line nonuniformity while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If light guides are connected in large-scale arrays, then display coverage is improved, but visibility of connection portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portions are given special local geometric qualities with oblique and perpendicular surfaces that reduce light scattering and line nonuniformity. This makes the connection portions less visually noticeable while allowing large-scale arrays of light guides to be connected for extended display coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection surfaces are designed with three-dimensional geometric features (oblique and perpendicular surfaces with specific taper angles) rather than simple planar connections. This dimensional complexity in the connection geometry helps reduce the visibility of connection portions by controlling light behavior at the interfaces.
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 configuration significantly reduces line nonuniformity levels on both the light source and opposite sides, enhancing display quality by making the connection portions less noticeable.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide which is illuminated by the light emitted from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an illumination device includes a first light guide, a second light guide and a plurality of light sources. The first light guide includes a first main surface, a second main surface facing the first main surface, and a first side surface connected to the second light guide. The first side surface further includes a first connection surface and a second connection surface. The first connection surface extends from an end portion of the first main surface to the second main surface and obliquely extends so as to move away from the second side surface. The second connection surface perpendicularly extends from an end portion of the first connection surface to an end portion of the second main surface.