Light Guide Outcoupling Structure Radar Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outcoupling structures in light guides optimize light scattering but interfere with radar waves due to reflection and deflection, and adding additional optical layers for radar transparency is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A light guide with an outcoupling structure that minimizes radar wave damping through absorption or reflection, formed by modifying the surface geometry of the light guide without an additional optical layer, optimizing both optical and radar wave transmission by varying the thickness and structural elements on the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional outcoupling structures with fillers are used to optimize light scattering, then light outcoupling efficiency is improved, but radar wave transmission is deteriorated due to reflection and deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the outcoupling structures (size, shape, depth, spacing) to optimize both light scattering and radar wave transmission. By adjusting these parameters, the structures achieve effective light outcoupling while minimizing radar wave interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local structures at the light guide surface: outcoupling structures in specific areas for light extraction, and radar-transparent structures in other areas for radar wave transmission. This spatial differentiation allows each region to optimize its specific function.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If additional optical layers are added to achieve radar transparency, then radar wave transmission is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide function and radar transparency function into a single integrated structure. The outcoupling structures are formed directly in the light guide material itself, eliminating the need for separate additional optical layers while achieving both light extraction and radar wave transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: guiding light, scattering light for outcoupling, and transmitting radar waves. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized layers for each function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the light guide surface is modified with outcoupling structures, then light scattering is improved, but radar wave damping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the outcoupling structures (depth, width, spacing, shape) to control the scattering of light while minimizing the damping of radar waves. By carefully selecting these parameters, effective light extraction is achieved without significant radar wave energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or rounded structures (such as hemispherical or conical outcoupling elements) at the light guide surface. These curved geometries are effective for scattering light in multiple directions while presenting a more radar-transparent profile compared to sharp edges.
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 enhances transparency for radar waves while maintaining effective light outcoupling, reducing reflection losses and eliminating the need for additional, costly optical layers, thus improving the performance of radar devices.
Implementation Method 1
an outcoupling structure adapted to deflect light coupled into the light guide in a predetermined outcoupling direction
Implementation Method 2
The scattering effect of the outcoupling structures during illumination is caused by 'fillers'
Implementation Method 3
a light guide by guiding light by total reflection at an interface layer between an inner part (or core in the case of a glass fiber, for instance) and an outer part (or sheath in the case of a glass fiber)
Implementation Method 4
an outcoupling structure whose damping of radar waves, for instance, by absorption or reflection, is minimized
Implementation Method 5
an outcoupling structure whose damping of radar waves, for instance, by absorption or reflection, is minimized
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide comprising an outcoupling structure is provided. The outcoupling structure is adapted to deflect a light coupled into the light guide in a first predetermined outcoupling direction. The outcoupling structure is formed by a configuration of a surface of the light guide.