Light-Guiding Device for Flexible Optical Path Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional projection imaging methods face limitations in installation flexibility due to straight light beam constraints in space-limited apparatuses, and alternative methods that allow direction changes either increase manufacturing costs or decrease light beam brightness and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A guiding apparatus comprising a light-projection system and a light-guiding device with a first and second end, where the light beam can travel in straight, polyline, or curved paths, using internal total reflection and surface treatments to maintain high brightness and low energy consumption while enhancing installation flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional reflective structures are placed on the light path to change direction, then installation flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guiding function and directional change function into a single integrated light-guiding device with curved or folded light paths, eliminating the need for separate reflective structures and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved light paths within the light-guiding device to enable directional changes without traditional reflective structures, allowing flexible installation while maintaining optical efficiency and reducing component count
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional reflective structures are placed on the light path to change direction, then installation flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (light guidance, directional change, and imaging) into a single light-guiding device, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The light-guiding device serves multiple functions including guiding light in curved paths, changing light direction, and maintaining image quality, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate components and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If grating or diffraction is used to guide light beam, then installation flexibility is improved, but light beam brightness decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces diffraction-based light guidance with total internal reflection-based guidance, which has lower optical loss and maintains higher light beam brightness while achieving the same flexibility in light path configuration
4Adaptability or versatility
If grating or diffraction is used to guide light beam, then installation flexibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes diffraction-based light guidance with total internal reflection-based guidance, which exhibits lower optical loss and energy consumption, thereby reducing overall energy requirements while maintaining installation flexibility
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 allows for high brightness and low energy consumption of the light beam at the image-receiving object while improving installation flexibility in space-limited apparatuses by enabling flexible light beam paths without increasing manufacturing complexity or costs.
Implementation Method 1
using internal total reflection and surface treatments to maintain high brightness and low energy consumption while enhancing installation flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a guiding apparatus for an imaging light path and a guiding method thereof. The guiding apparatus comprises at least one light-projection system to project at least one visible light beam and at least one light-guiding device disposed corresponding to the light-projection system. The light-guiding device has a first end, a second end, and a light path disposed between the first end and the second end. The visible light beam projected from the light-projection system is received at the first end and guided to an image-receiving object, including but not limited to the user's eyes, out of the second end through the light path to form a real or virtual image. The effects of high brightness of the visible light beam arriving at the image-receiving object, low consumption of light energy, and improved installation flexibility in a space-limited apparatus can be obtained.