Prism Cloaking Device for Vehicle Pillar Blind Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloaking devices for vehicle pillars rely on complex metamaterials or video technology, which are cumbersome and inefficient in making pillars appear transparent, thereby not effectively addressing blind spots.
Innovation Solution
A cloaking device comprising a plurality of prisms positioned around a cloaked region, redirecting light through vertex angles and optical paths to create the illusion of transparency, allowing drivers to see around vehicle pillars without the need for metamaterials or video cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metamaterials or video technology are used to make vehicle pillars appear transparent, then the cloaking effect is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cloaking device is divided into multiple discrete prism elements (first object-side prisms, second object-side prisms, first image-side prisms, second image-side prisms) arranged in a specific configuration. Each prism segment redirects light from a specific angular range, and their combined effect creates the overall cloaking effect. This segmentation allows the complex cloaking function to be achieved through simpler individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex metamaterial structures or electronic video systems with a purely optical mechanical system using standard prisms. The prisms use geometric optics (refraction and reflection) to redirect light paths around the cloaked region, eliminating the need for sophisticated materials or electronic processing while achieving the same visual effect.
2Reliability
If metamaterials or video cameras are used to create transparent pillar effect, then the cloaking function is achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard optical prisms that can be manufactured using conventional techniques rather than expensive metamaterials or complex video systems. These prisms are readily available components that can be easily fabricated and assembled, making the overall device much easier and more cost-effective to manufacture while maintaining the cloaking function.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing metamaterial fabrication or video system assembly with simple prism positioning, the manufacturing process becomes significantly easier. The prisms can be mounted in a fixed configuration on or near the vehicle pillar, requiring only basic mechanical installation rather than complex material processing or electronic system integration.
3Illumination intensity
If light is redirected around the cloaked region through multiple prisms, then the visibility of obstructed areas is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light redirection function is segmented across four distinct prism groups, each handling a specific portion of the angular light spectrum. The first and second object-side prisms capture light from different angles, while the first and second image-side prisms redirect it to form the final image. This segmentation allows comprehensive light capture without requiring a single complex optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple prism elements are merged into a coordinated optical system where each prism contributes to the overall light redirection pathway. The prisms work together in sequence to bend light around the cloaked region, combining their individual refraction effects to achieve the complete cloaking effect that would be difficult to accomplish with a single element.
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 prism-based cloaking device effectively redirects light around vehicle pillars, providing a clear view of obstructed areas without the complexity of previous technologies, thus enhancing driver visibility and reducing blind spots.
Implementation Method 1
Light from an object positioned on the object-side of the cloaking device and obscured by the cloaked region is redirected around the cloaked region via propagation of the light through the plurality of prisms
Data Source
AI summary
A cloaking device includes an object-side, an image-side, a cloaked region and eight prisms positioned around the cloaked region. Each of the prisms has a light entrance side, a light exit side, a vertex formed from the intersection of a plane defined by the light entrance side and a plane defined by the light exit side, and a vertex angle between the light entrance side and the light exit side. A pair of first object-side prisms with inward facing vertices and a pair of second object-side prisms with outward facing vertices are positioned on the object-side, and a pair of first image-side prisms with outward facing vertices and a pair of second image-side prisms with inward facing vertices are positioned on the image-side. The light entrance sides of the pair of second object-side prisms are parallel and spaced apart from the light exit sides of the pair of first object-side prisms.