3D Optical Incoupling Element for Uniform Planar Lightguide Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lightguide solutions face challenges in achieving uniform light distribution, efficient coupling, and extraction, particularly in large-sized window illumination, due to the lack of integrated air-cavity optics-based solutions with versatility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
An optical incoupling element with a three-dimensionally formed substrate and embedded optical patterns, configured to incouple light from a planar surface and adjust its direction through total internal reflections, utilizing embedded cavities and materials with varying refractive indices to control light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lightguide solutions use separate optical films (BEFs) or microlens/V-groove patterns, then light distribution can be controlled to some extent, but fully controlled light distribution in a desired manner cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (incoupling, light distribution control, and extraction) into a single integrated lightguide element with embedded optical patterns. The optical patterns are directly formed within the lightguide medium, eliminating the need for separate optical films and achieving fully controlled light distribution throughout the entire lightguide structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If light incoupling is performed at the edge of the lightguide, then simple coupling structure is achieved, but light distribution uniformity and coupling efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional edge incoupling (one-dimensional coupling at the boundary) to planar surface incoupling (two-dimensional coupling across the surface). The optical patterns are embedded within the lightguide medium and extend across the planar surface, enabling light to be coupled in from the surface area rather than just the edge, thereby significantly improving coupling efficiency and light distribution uniformity.
3Productivity
If planar surface incoupling is utilized with surface relief gratings, then light coupling efficiency improves, but the solution lacks versatility for large-sized window illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lightguide solution where the embedded optical patterns can be scaled and adapted to various sizes and applications. The same basic structure with embedded optical patterns can be used for both small-scale displays and large-sized window illumination by adjusting the pattern dimensions and density, providing versatility across different application scenarios.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional lightguide solutions are used, then existing manufacturing processes are maintained, but uniform light distribution and light trapping efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces localized optical patterns (such as gratings, microlenses, or V-grooves) embedded at specific positions within the lightguide medium. These patterns create localized light manipulation zones that control light distribution, extraction, and trapping in specific regions, achieving uniform overall light distribution while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes for forming these patterns.
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 incoupling element enables efficient light incoupling and distribution control, preventing light leakage, allowing for flexible installation and integration with light sources, and enhancing optical performance and reliability in planar lightguides.
Implementation Method 1
adjust its direction through total internal reflections
Implementation Method 2
utilizing embedded cavities and materials with varying refractive indices to control light propagation
Data Source
AI summary
An optical incoupling element in the form of a discrete item attachable on a lightguide includes a substrate and at least one three-dimensionally formed optical surface. The optical surface is configured to incouple light incident thereto and to adjust direction of the incoupled light transmitted through an optical contact surface etablished at an interface between the element substrate and a lightguide medium such, that the incoupled light acquires a propagation path through a lightguide medium via a series of total internal reflections. The optical surface may include at least on optical cavity pattern. The element is configured to receive light onto said at least one three-dimensionally formed optical surface from a direction essentially parallel to a longitudinal plane of the planar lightguide. A method for manufacturing the optical incoupling element, related arrangement, optical unit and uses.