TIR Lens Array Head-Up Display Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-up display backlighting designs for vehicles fail to provide luminance uniformity on the eyebox and require multiple optical elements, which limits flexibility and increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display assembly utilizing a total internal reflection (TIR) lens array with a plurality of TIR lenses aligned with light emitting elements to reflect and refract light, achieving luminance uniformity and intensity adjustment with a single optical element, thereby reducing the number of required LEDs and manufacturing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple optical elements are used in the backlighting design, then light distribution can be controlled, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (collimation, reflection, diffusion, and light distribution control) into a single TIR lens array. This single integrated component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate optical elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to control light distribution and achieve luminance uniformity across the display element.
Solution Approach 2:
The TIR lens array performs multiple optical functions simultaneously: it collects light from LEDs, collimates the light beam, reflects and refracts light to specific positions, and distributes energy to achieve uniform luminance. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace multiple specialized optical elements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple optical elements are used to control light distribution, then luminance uniformity can be achieved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical functions into a single TIR lens array, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing time while maintaining the capability to achieve uniform luminance distribution across the display element.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of LEDs is reduced, then cost and manufacturing time decrease, but light intensity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for multiple LEDs with a more efficient optical system. The TIR lens array uses total internal reflection and refraction to maximize light extraction and distribution from fewer LEDs, replacing the mechanical approach of simply adding more light sources with an optical optimization approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing TIR lenses with specific refractive indices and geometric configurations. These parameter changes enable more efficient light extraction and distribution, allowing fewer LEDs to produce sufficient light intensity by optimizing how the light is directed and distributed rather than relying on quantity.
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 TIR lens array enhances luminance uniformity, reduces component count and manufacturing time, and offers energy savings by maximizing light intensity and allowing for flexible luminance adjustments, while maintaining cost savings and a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A total internal reflection (TIR) lens array includes a plurality of TIR lenses. Each one of the plurality of TIR lenses is aligned with a different one of the plurality of light emitting elements to reflect and refract light
Implementation Method 2
Each one of the plurality of TIR lenses is aligned with a different one of the plurality of light emitting elements to reflect and refract light emitted by the plurality of light emitting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display assembly including a printed circuit board having a plurality of light emitting elements. A display element is illuminated by the plurality of light emitting elements. A total internal reflection (TIR) lens array includes a plurality of TIR lenses. Each one of the plurality of TIR lenses is aligned with a different one of the plurality of light emitting elements to reflect light emitted by the plurality of light emitting elements to the display element to illuminate the display element.