Split-Image Light Projection Device for Compact Dashboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light projection devices for automotive interiors are bulky, costly, and complex due to the use of multiple projection units, LEDs, and optical devices, making them difficult to integrate into thin dashboards and complicating thermal management.
Innovation Solution
A light projection device using a single light source, optical engine, and digital micromirror device in a single housing to split a main image into two independent images projected in different directions, reducing component count and size, and incorporating a thermal management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projection units, LEDs, and optical devices are used to project different images on each side of the dashboard, then the projection capability and image differentiation are improved, but the device size becomes very large and difficult to integrate into thin dashboards
Solution Approach 1:
The single projected image is segmented into two separate images by the optical device, which directs different portions of the image to different sides of the dashboard. This allows one projection unit to perform the work of multiple projection units, reducing device size while maintaining projection capability
Solution Approach 2:
A single projection unit with an optical device performs multiple functions: projecting to the left dashboard, projecting to the right dashboard, and potentially projecting to both sides simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate projection units for each dashboard side, significantly reducing device volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projection units and optical devices are used, then the projection capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple projection functions are merged into a single projection unit by integrating an optical device that can direct light to multiple destinations. This consolidation reduces the total number of components required, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to project different images on each dashboard side
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and electronic devices are used, then the projection capability and image quality are improved, but thermal management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources are merged into a single light source within the projection unit. This consolidation reduces the total heat generation points and simplifies the thermal management system, as heat from a single source is easier to manage and dissipate compared to multiple distributed heat sources, while still maintaining the capability to project to multiple dashboard sides through the optical device
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 solution allows for a compact, cost-effective device that can be easily integrated into vehicle dashboards or ceilings, simplifying thermal management and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical engine including a digital micromirror device, the optical engine being located downstream of the light source and containing data information corresponding to a main image so as to project said main image along a predetermined light path
Implementation Method 2
an optical device arranged on the light path of the main image such that it receives the main image, and configured to project a first portion of the main image as a first image in a first direction and to project a second portion of the main image as a second image in a second direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns an image projection device (15) comprising: - a light source (24), preferably comprising a light-emitting diode, - an optical engine (35) including a digital micromirror device (36), the optical engine (35) being configured to be fed by the light source (24) and containing data information corresponding to a main image (30), so as to project said main image along a predetermined light path. The main image is formed by the reunion of a first image and a second image, different from the first image, that are adjoined to each other. The light projection device (15) further comprises an optical device (40) arranged on the light path of the main image (20) such that it receives the first image and the second image, and is configured to project said first image in a first direction and to project said second image in a second direction, different from the first direction.