Tilted Liquid Crystal Element for Brighter Vehicle Projection Lamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting apparatuses using liquid crystal elements face challenges in improving the brightness of irradiated light.
Innovation Solution
The lighting apparatus is configured with a light source, condensing unit, liquid crystal element, first and second polarizing elements, and a projection lens, where the liquid crystal element is tilted at a non-orthogonal and non-parallel angle to the optical axis of the projection lens, and optionally includes prism arrays to refract light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a vertically aligned liquid crystal element is used in a conventional orientation, then the device structure is simple, but the brightness of irradiated light is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal element is tilted at a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the optical axis of the projection lens, transitioning from a conventional vertical alignment to an angled orientation. This dimensional change in the arrangement configuration optimizes light transmission and increases the brightness of irradiated light while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Illumination intensity
If the liquid crystal element is tilted to improve brightness, then luminous intensity increases, but the optical path alignment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Specific tilt angles (e.g., 45 degrees) are optimized to maximize luminous intensity while maintaining acceptable optical path alignment complexity. The angle parameter is carefully selected to balance brightness improvement with alignment manageability
3Use of energy by moving object
If the liquid crystal element is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis, then the optical path is simple, but light transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal element is arranged at a tilted angle rather than perpendicular to the optical axis, changing the orientation dimension to improve light transmission efficiency. This angled arrangement allows better alignment with the light path, increasing energy utilization while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
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 configuration enhances the brightness of irradiated light by optimizing light transmission and projection, improving luminous intensity and reducing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing unit that condenses light emitted from the light source so that it forms a focal point at a predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
a first polarizing element disposed on a light incident surface of the liquid crystal element; a second polarizing element disposed on a light emitting surface of the liquid crystal element
Implementation Method 3
a projection lens that magnifies and projects images generated by the liquid crystal element, the first polarizing element, and the second polarizing element
Implementation Method 4
a first prism array disposed between the liquid crystal element and the first polarizing element; and a second prism array disposed between the liquid crystal element and the second polarizing element; where the first prism array refracts a traveling direction of the light heading toward the liquid crystal element and causes the light incident to the liquid crystal element, and the second prism array refracts a traveling direction of the light emitted from the liquid crystal element and causes the light incident to the second polarizing element
Data Source
AI summary
To improve the brightness of irradiated light in the lighting apparatus using a liquid crystal element. Alighting apparatus includes: a light source; a condensing unit that condenses light emitted from the light source so that it forms a focal point at a predetermined position; a liquid crystal element arranged corresponding to the position of the focal point; a first polarizing element located on a light incident side of the liquid crystal element; a second polarizing element located on a light emitting side of the liquid crystal element; a first prism array that refracts a traveling direction of the light heading toward the liquid crystal element and a second prism array that refracts a traveling direction of light emitted from the liquid crystal element.