Rod Lens Array with Curved Emission Elements for HUD Light Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices, such as head-up displays (HUDs) and projection systems, face challenges in uniformly distributing light and reducing artifacts like bright and dark lines due to the arrangement and connection of rod lens arrays, which affect image quality and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A rod lens array design featuring a two-dimensionally arranged rod lens portion, emission portion with curved elements, and a connection portion that integrates rod lens elements with a transparent optical material, optimized with specific thickness and curvature conditions to minimize dark and bright lines by controlling light distribution and beam alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If rod lens elements are arranged to guide light from multiple light emitting sources, then light distribution capability is improved, but artifacts like bright and dark lines appear due to arrangement and connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functional characteristics of different rod lens elements based on their position. First rod lens elements (at corners) have different light receiving characteristics compared to second rod lens elements (not at corners). The connection elements are also designed with specific light transmission characteristics that differ from the rod lens elements themselves. This local differentiation allows optimization of light distribution while minimizing artifacts in different regions of the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the light transmission characteristics of connection elements and the geometric parameters of rod lens elements. Specifically, the connection elements have controlled light transmission properties that prevent excessive light leakage between adjacent rod lens elements. The rod lens elements are designed with specific dimensions and orientations that optimize light collection from multiple sources while maintaining uniform output distribution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If connection elements are used to link rod lens elements, then structural integration is improved, but light leakage between elements causes bright lines
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are designed with specific local optical properties that differ from the rod lens elements. They have controlled light transmission characteristics that allow structural connection while preventing excessive light transmission between adjacent light-guiding portions. This local differentiation in optical properties enables the connection elements to serve dual functions: mechanical integration and optical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements act as intermediary components between adjacent rod lens elements. They provide the necessary structural connection while their controlled light transmission properties prevent direct light leakage between light-guiding portions. The connection elements mediate between the structural requirement for integration and the optical requirement for isolation, solving the contradiction through their intermediate optical characteristics.
3Area of stationary object
If rod lens array is designed for compact arrangement, then device size is reduced, but mounting and alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional requirements into a single integrated structure. The rod lens elements and connection elements form an integrated array structure where the connection elements simultaneously provide mechanical support, structural integration, and optical control. This merging reduces the need for separate mounting components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light guiding function into distinct rod lens elements that are separately optimized and then systematically arranged. Each rod lens element is an independent optical unit with defined light receiving and emitting characteristics. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, where individual elements can be precisely fabricated and then integrated into the compact array with controlled alignment 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
The optimized rod lens array design enhances light uniformity and reduces artifacts like dark and bright lines, improving image quality and visibility in HUDs and projection systems by ensuring efficient light transmission and beam alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide member... configured to guide light from a plurality of light emitting sources
Implementation Method 2
an emission portion in which a plurality of curved elements including the first light guide member is two-dimensionally arranged
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a rod lens array including a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged rod lenses. The rod lens array can be provided in a state of being easily mounted in lighting devices for HUD, and the like. The rod lens array includes: a rod lens portion in which a plurality of rod lens elements including a first light guide member is two-dimensionally arranged; an emission portion in which a plurality of curved elements including the first light guide member is two-dimensionally arranged so as to correspond, respectively, to a plurality of rod lens elements on an emission side; and a connection portion in which a connection element including the first light guide member two-dimensionally extends so as to integrally connect the plurality of curved elements to the plurality of rod lens elements.