Prism Optical Element for Two-Direction Light Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light source devices struggle to simultaneously emit light in two different directions with a simple structure.

Innovation Solution

A light source device incorporating an optical element with a plate-like body and triangular prisms that refract and reflect emission light to emit it in two distinct directions, utilizing a refractive index and critical angle principles to separate light paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mirror and lens system is used to control light distribution, then light projection direction can be adjusted, but the structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight projection direction adjustmentVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical element is divided into multiple prisms (first prism, second prism, etc.) arranged in an array, each capable of independent rotation to control light in different directions. This segmentation allows directional control without a single complex mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mirror-lens mechanical system with an optical element array where prisms can be rotated or fixed. This substitution simplifies the overall structure while maintaining light direction control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple prisms are arranged in an array, then light can be emitted in multiple directions simultaneously, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emission directionsVSAvoidoptical element array

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each prism in the array is designed with identical structure and optical properties, allowing them to perform the same function of directing light. This universality simplifies manufacturing as all prisms can be produced using the same process, then arranged in different configurations to achieve various emission patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The prisms can be rotated to change their orientation angles, allowing the same physical component to direct light in different directions. This parameter change (rotation angle) provides versatility without requiring different prism designs for each direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If prisms are tilted relative to the optical axis, then light can be separated into different paths, but alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight path separationVSAvoidprism alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the optical system into multiple discrete prisms rather than a single tilted element, the patent reduces the precision requirement for each individual prism. Each prism only needs to be tilted relative to its neighbor, not relative to a distant reference, making alignment more manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prisms are designed to be rotatable or adjustable, allowing them to self-align or be easily aligned during assembly. This reduces the need for extremely high manufacturing precision as the components can be adjusted to achieve proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables simultaneous emission of light in two directions with adjustable brightness and clarity, enhancing the visibility of separate images or projections without a complex mechanical structure.

Implementation Method 1

a reflection surface that reflects, toward the first plate surface, the emission light incident through the entrance surface. An incident angle of the emission light relative to the reflection surface is equal to or larger than a critical angle of the reflection surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a body having a plate-like shape including a first plate surface that faces the light source and is tilted relative to an optical axis of the emission light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12576780B2Light source device

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 JAPAN DISPLAY INC

AI summary

According to an aspect, a light source device includes an optical element and a light source configured to emit emission light toward the optical element. The optical element integrally includes a body having a plate-like shape including a first plate surface that faces the light source and is tilted relative to an optical axis of the emission light, and prisms each having a triangular sectional shape and disposed on the first plate surface in a state of being separated from each other. Each of the prisms has a disposition surface disposed on the first plate surface, an entrance surface on which the emission light is incident, and a reflection surface that reflects, toward the first plate surface, the emission light incident through the entrance surface. An incident angle of the emission light relative to the reflection surface is equal to or larger than a critical angle of the reflection surface.