Microstructured Optical Element for HUD Sunlight Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HUDs in vehicles are not effectively sun-dimmed, affecting display quality and reducing the service life of components due to large blocking covers obstructing the driver's line of sight.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with microstructure layers and light blocking layers is designed to control light direction, using parallel transparent surfaces and partial light blocking to minimize interference between incident light paths, made from materials like PET or PMMA, and manufactured via methods such as laser processing or nanoimprinting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a large blocking cover is used to block sunlight, then sun-dimming effect is improved, but the driver's line of sight is obstructed and display clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking cover is divided into multiple light blocking layers with different transparency levels. The first light blocking layer has higher transparency than the second light blocking layer, creating a gradient structure that blocks sunlight while preserving display visibility through selective transparency segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the blocking cover have different optical properties. The first light blocking layer is positioned closer to the display and has higher transparency to preserve image clarity, while the second light blocking layer is positioned farther away and has lower transparency to block sunlight more effectively, creating local quality variations optimized for different functions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large blocking cover is used to block sunlight, then sun-dimming effect is improved, but the service life of HUD components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking cover is segmented into multiple layers with varying transparency, allowing optimized positioning and thickness of each layer to achieve effective sunlight blocking while minimizing overall structural impact on component durability
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking layers are made from different materials or have different optical properties, creating a composite structure that provides effective sunlight blocking while maintaining appropriate light transmission for display visibility and reducing thermal stress on components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light blocking layers with different transparency are used, then sunlight blocking is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking cover is divided into multiple light blocking layers that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, allowing each layer to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple light blocking layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: blocking sunlight, preserving display visibility, and potentially providing different levels of protection for different components, making the complex structure multi-functional and justifying the increased manufacturing 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
Enhances light efficiency and extends the lifespan of HUD components by reducing interference and blocking ambient light, maintaining display clarity and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a first microstructure layer 2 sets on the lower surface 11 of the substrate 1... a second microstructure layer 3 sets on the upper surface 12 of the substrate 1... Each of the first protrusions 21 includes a first transparent surface 211 configured for transmitting light... Each of the second protrusions 31 includes a second transparent surface 311 configured for transmitting light. The first transparent surface 211 is approximately parallel to the second transparent surface 311
Implementation Method 2
Each of the light blocking layers 4 partially covers a corresponding surface of one of the first protrusions 21 or a corresponding surface of one of the second protrusions 31... A portion of light incident on the optical element 100 can be blocked, so that directions of light incident on the optical element 100 can be controlled to reduce interference between light incident from the upper surface 12 and light incident from the lower surface 11
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An optical element includes a first microstructure layer, a substrate and a second microstructure layer arranged in sequence. The first microstructure layer includes a plurality of first protrusions, each of the first protrusions comprises a first transparent surface configured for transmitting light. The second microstructure layer includes a plurality of second protrusions, each of the second protrusions comprises a second transparent surface configured for transmitting light. The optical element also includes a plurality of light blocking layers, each of the blocking layers covers a corresponding surface of one of the first protrusions or a surface of one of the second protrusions. The surface covered by the blocking layer intersects with the first transparent surface of the first protrusions or the second transparent surface of the second protrusions. A head up display and a vehicle are further disclosed.