Retroreflector Triple Mirrors Optical Elements Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retroreflector technologies fail to achieve targeted and efficient light distribution with all degrees of freedom, leading to unsatisfactory results in applications such as road traffic, security features, and sensor technology due to energy loss and difficulty in ensuring light source authenticity.
Innovation Solution
The use of triple mirrors with optical elements on one or more of their surfaces, allowing for the design of various light paths and projections, enabling precise control over light distribution and encoding, and incorporating features like lenses, diffusers, and diffractive structures to manage light polarization and wavelength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional triple mirror structures are used for retroreflection, then light reflection is achieved, but targeted light distribution with all degrees of freedom is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector is divided into multiple triple mirror units, each with its own optical element. This segmentation allows independent control of light distribution for each unit while maintaining the overall retroreflective function, enabling targeted light distribution without requiring complete redesign of the entire mirror structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical elements (lenses, diffusers, prisms) are selectively placed on specific triple mirror units rather than uniformly across all mirrors. This local application allows different regions of the retroreflector to have different light distribution characteristics, achieving targeted control while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are added to triple mirrors for targeted light distribution, then light distribution control is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical light redirection methods with optical elements that manipulate light through refraction, diffusion, and interference. This substitution achieves more precise light distribution control with reduced energy loss compared to traditional mechanical approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements modify light parameters (wavelength, polarization, direction) to achieve targeted distribution. By changing these parameters rather than physically blocking or absorbing light, the system maintains higher energy efficiency while achieving precise control.
3Reliability
If conventional retroreflectors are used, then basic reflection is achieved, but security features and authentication are difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates wavelength-selective optical elements that manipulate different wavelengths of light differently. This creates authentication patterns based on light wavelength manipulation, providing a reliable security feature that is difficult to replicate without the specific optical element configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflector combines multiple materials with different optical properties (lenses, diffusers, prisms, reflective surfaces) to create a composite structure. This composite design enables complex light coding patterns for authentication while maintaining the fundamental retroreflective function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If triple mirror angles are varied for light distribution, then some light distribution is achieved, but all degrees of freedom for targeted distribution are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical elements as intermediaries between the incident light and the final reflected beam. These optical elements provide the additional degrees of freedom for light distribution without requiring precise angular adjustment of the triple mirror surfaces themselves, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 approach allows for targeted light distribution with minimal energy loss, enhances security features by creating unique light patterns, and ensures accurate identification of light sources, making it suitable for complex coding and secure applications.
Implementation Method 1
Optical elements are arranged on one or two or all three partial surfaces of the triple mirror... light striking them is not reflected in the same way as by the planar surfaces of the triple mirror partial surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The retroreflector consists of one or a multiplicity of light-reflecting triple mirrors... light striking them is not reflected in the same way as by the planar surfaces
Implementation Method 3
Diffusers, roughness structures, beam splitters, prisms, periodic sine structures, free-form structures or diffractive structures (DOE) can also be used
Implementation Method 4
diffractive structures (DOE) can also be used... for encoding light projections and for recognizing an object
Implementation Method 5
The triple mirrors can also contain a dye so that they are only transparent to certain wavelengths of light
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retroreflector with one or more triple mirrors (24.1), wherein each triple mirror (24.1) has three partial surfaces (1.1, 1.2, 1.3; 3.1, 3.2, 3.3; 6.1, 6.2, 6.3; 7.1, 7.2, 7.3; 9.1, 9.2, 9.3; 11.1, 11.2, 11.3; 17.1, 17.2, 17.3; 18.1, 18.2, 18.3; 20.1, 20.2, 20.3; 21.1, 21.2, 21.3) which adjoin each other in pairs at three dihedral edges and enclose dihedral angles of 90° ± 5° and are located in a triple mirror center. (1.4; 3.4; 6.4; 7.4; 9.4; 11.4; 17.4; 18.4; 20.4; 21.4) touching, wherein at least one of the triple mirrors is a triple mirror with preferred geometry and wherein at least one optically effective optical element (1.5; 3.5; 5.5; 7.5; 9.5; 11.5; 18.2; 20.2; 21.2) of each triple mirror with preferred geometry is arranged in at least one partial surface (1.3; 3.2; 5.1; 7.3; 9.3; 11.3; 18.2; 20.2; 21.2). According to the invention, it is provided that each optical element (1.5; 3.5; 5.5; 7.5; 9.5; 11.5; 18.5; 20.5)5) is arranged at a distance from the dihedral edges that define the sub-area (1.3; 3.2; 5.1; 7.3; 9.3; 11.3; 18.2; 20.2; 21.2) in which the optical element in question (1.5; 3.5; 5.5; 7.5; 9.5; 11.5; 18.5; 20.5) is arranged.