See-through Display Device with Shape Memory Alloy Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current see-through display devices are limited in their ability to continuously adjust focal distance and are not miniaturized or lightweight, which restricts their application in augmented and mixed reality environments.
Innovation Solution
A see-through display device with a driving unit that includes a deformation unit, such as a shape memory alloy, and a bridge unit, which adjusts the distance between the image generation and light combining units by controlling temperature through electrical signals, allowing for continuous change in focal distance and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional driving mechanisms are used to adjust focal distance, then the display device can change focus, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical driving mechanisms (motors, gears, linkages) with a deformation unit that utilizes material deformation properties (such as shape memory alloys or electroactive polymers) to adjust the optical path length. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, significantly reducing the weight and size of the display device while maintaining focal distance adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of the deformation unit material (such as temperature, electrical field, or voltage) to induce controlled deformation that adjusts the distance between optical components. By controlling parameters like temperature through heating elements or electrical fields through electrodes, the system achieves focal distance adjustment without mechanical moving parts, thereby reducing device weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional driving mechanisms are used to adjust focal distance, then the display device can change focus, but the device becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical driving mechanisms (motors, gears, linkages) with a deformation unit that utilizes material deformation properties (such as shape memory alloys or electroactive polymers) to adjust the optical path length. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, significantly reducing the weight and size of the display device while maintaining focal distance adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation unit is integrated within the existing structural framework of the display device, with the unit embedded between optical components or within the housing structure. This nesting approach allows the driving function to be incorporated without adding external bulk, maintaining a compact overall device length.
3Length of moving object
If miniaturization is achieved through component reduction, then device size decreases, but focal distance adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the driving mechanism for focal distance adjustment and as a structural support element or optical mounting component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated adjustment mechanisms, allowing miniaturization while preserving adjustment capability. The bridge unit similarly serves both structural and positioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation unit changes its physical properties (length, shape, or position) in response to controlled parameter changes (temperature, electrical field, voltage) to adjust the optical path length. This allows the system to maintain focal distance adjustment capability in a miniaturized form factor by using material property changes rather than mechanical movement.
4Measurement precision
If complex driving mechanisms are used for continuous focal adjustment, then focus precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical driving mechanisms (motors, gears, linkages) with a deformation unit that utilizes material deformation properties (such as shape memory alloys or electroactive polymers) to adjust the optical path length. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, significantly reducing the weight and size of the display device while maintaining focal distance adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where sensors detect the actual focal distance or optical path length, and the driving control unit adjusts the deformation unit's parameters (temperature, voltage) to achieve the desired focus position. This feedback mechanism enables precise continuous focal adjustment through simple material deformation rather than complex mechanical positioning systems.
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 a miniaturized and lightweight see-through display device capable of continuously changing focal distance, enhancing its applicability in augmented and mixed reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
The deformation unit may include a shape memory alloy (SMA)
Implementation Method 2
the driving control unit may control the temperature of the deformation unit by applying an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A see-through display device includes an image generation unit configured to emit a virtual image light, a light combining unit configured to combine the virtual image light with an actual image light, and a driving unit including a deformation unit and a bridge unit disposed between the deformation unit and the image generation unit, and configured to control a distance between the image generation unit and the light combining unit through the deformation unit and the bridge unit.