Optical Grating Distortion-Free Vehicle Indicia Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The projection of illuminated indicia on vehicle surfaces is complicated by distance, curvature, and angle, leading to increased manufacturing time and cost due to distortion issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior surface with an integrally defined optical grating, such as holographic or diffraction grating, is used, covered by a light transmissive layer, where a light source directs a collimated beam of light through the layer to the grating, allowing for distortion-free projection of images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional projection methods are used on vehicle surfaces, then the indicia can be displayed, but the projection is distorted due to distance, curvature and angle issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light transmissive layer with an optical grating that creates a virtual copy of the indicia at the desired location and orientation. The grating diffracts light to form a virtual image that appears to be projected onto the curved surface without actual contact, eliminating distortion while maintaining display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmissive layer acts as an intermediary between the light source and the curved vehicle surface. This layer contains the optical grating that manipulates light paths to create a distortion-free virtual image, serving as a mediator that resolves the conflict between the light source and the curved surface geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional projection methods are used to account for surface curvature and angle, then distortion can be reduced, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical grating is pre-formed in the light transmissive layer during manufacturing, encoding the necessary optical corrections for the specific vehicle surface geometry. This preliminary action embeds the distortion compensation directly into the component structure, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-manufacturing adjustments or complex projection algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual image created by the optical grating is a precise copy of the original indicia that appears at the correct location and orientation on the curved surface. This optical copying method achieves uniform projection quality without requiring iterative adjustments or complex manufacturing processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex projection systems are used to handle curved surfaces, then image quality can be maintained, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light transmissive layer by incorporating an optical grating with specific diffraction properties. This parameter change enables the system to handle curved surface projections using a simple light source and single-layer structure, avoiding the need for complex multi-component projection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical grating creates a virtual copy of the indicia that maintains high image quality on curved surfaces. This optical copying mechanism achieves superior image quality with a simple device structure, eliminating the need for complex projection optics or multiple adjustment mechanisms.
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 enables distortion-free projection of images on vehicle surfaces, reducing manufacturing time and cost by accounting for surface curvature and angle, and providing uniform and dynamic image appearance from different viewpoints.
Implementation Method 1
The optical grating defines at least one of a holographic grating and a diffraction grating
Implementation Method 2
A light transmissive layer is positioned over the optical grating. The light source is configured to direct the light through the light transmissive layer to the optical grating
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a light source configured to emit light. A substrate defines a surface. The surface integrally defines an optical grating. A light transmissive layer is positioned over the optical grating. The light source is configured to direct the light through the light transmissive layer to the optical grating.