Splitting Optic Substrate with Angled Facets for Light Band Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems are inadequate in efficiently splitting a light beam into multiple beams at various angles to form bands of light at predetermined distances, lacking a structured approach to redirect a significant percentage of the input beam while allowing a substantial undeviated portion to pass through.
Innovation Solution
A substrate with a microstructure featuring a repeating pattern of non-angled and angled facets, where the angled facets are designed to redirect a portion of the input beam at specific angles, forming bands of light, while the non-angled facets allow the remaining beam to pass undeviated, utilizing a bendable material with curved surfaces to optimize beam distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If angled facets are used to redirect light beams at specific angles, then the ability to form bands of light at predetermined distances is improved, but the complexity of the substrate microstructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate surface is segmented into multiple discrete facets with different orientations (angled and non-angled). Each facet type redirects light at specific angles, and the collective arrangement of these segmented facets creates the desired band formation capability without requiring a completely complex monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the substrate surface are assigned different local properties through varied facet orientations. Angled facets are positioned to redirect light at specific angles for band formation, while non-angled facets allow undeviated transmission. This local differentiation enables versatile light manipulation while maintaining relative structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a significant percentage of the input beam is redirected at multiple angles, then the functionality for range finding and illumination is improved, but the intensity of the undeviated beam is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The incident light beam is segmented into multiple pathways by the facet structure. A predetermined percentage of light is redirected by angled facets into multiple angular paths that form bands at specific distances, while the remaining light passes through non-angled facets undeviated. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both redirected and undeviated beam intensities for different application needs
Solution Approach 2:
The facet design parameters (orientation angles, surface area proportions, spacing) are optimized to control the distribution ratio between redirected and undeviated light. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve the desired balance between enhanced optical functionality through beam splitting and maintenance of sufficient undeviated beam intensity
3Ease of manufacture
If the substrate uses a repeating pattern of facets, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the precision of beam angle control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The complex light redirection function is achieved through segmentation into repeating unit cells, each containing a specific arrangement of angled and non-angled facets. This segmentation into standardized modules simplifies manufacturing through repetitive fabrication processes while maintaining precise angular control through careful design of each modular unit
Solution Approach 2:
The repeating pattern is designed with specific geometric parameters (facet angles, dimensions, spacing ratios) that are optimized to achieve the desired beam control precision. By carefully selecting and maintaining these parameters within tight tolerances during manufacturing, the system achieves both ease of production through repetition and high precision in beam angle control
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
Effectively splits the input light beam into multiple beams that form coherent bands at specific distances, enhancing the functionality of optical systems in applications like range finding and illumination by efficiently redirecting and transmitting light.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate configured to redirect a predetermined percentage of an input light beam at a plurality of angles to form a set of output beams
Implementation Method 2
The substrate may be further configured to pass through substantially undeviated a remaining percentage of the input light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a substrate that is configured to redirect a predetermined percentage of an input light beam at a plurality of angles to form a set of output beams at each of the angles such that light beams redirected at each of the angles cooperate to form bands of light at a range of predetermined distances from the optical apparatus.