Vehicle Laser Display Self-Heating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices for vehicles using laser diodes as light sources face challenges in low temperature environments, where output characteristics are reduced, and warming up the laser diode using thermoelectric elements is slow and costly.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration that includes self-heating of the laser light source using direct current, temperature detection for controlled heating, and auxiliary temperature raising means like Peltier elements, along with angle adjustment and scanning unit controls to prevent damage and ensure stable image output without additional heating components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermoelectric element (Peltier element) is used to warm up the laser diode, then the temperature can be raised to a normally operable range, but several minutes are required to raise the temperature and further time to reach stable operation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing self-heating of the laser diode using its own driving current before normal operation begins. The laser diode is driven at a higher current level during a preliminary period to generate heat that raises its temperature to the optimal operating range, eliminating the need for separate heating elements and reducing warm-up time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using the laser diode's own driving current to generate the heat needed for its temperature control. The electrical current that drives the laser diode also serves to heat it to the required operating temperature, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating external heating components.
2Power
If a new thermoelectric element with high output such as a heater is provided, then the heating capability is improved, but cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the laser diode's driving current serve dual purposes: both driving the laser emission and providing the heating function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating elements, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate heating power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by generating the required heating power from the laser diode's own operating current. This eliminates the need for additional heating components and their associated costs, making the system more cost-effective while maintaining the necessary heating capability.
3Temperature
If the laser light source performs self-heating drive, then the temperature is quickly raised without additional heating components, but unnecessary laser light may cause damage to predetermined portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful effect by separating the heating function from the light emission function during the warm-up period. The laser diode is driven to generate heat for temperature control, but the optical path is blocked or redirected so that the laser light does not reach the screen or other components, preventing damage while maintaining the heating benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the laser light from reaching vulnerable components before the laser diode reaches its optimal operating temperature. A blocking mechanism is in place during the self-heating phase to stop the laser light, and only after the temperature is sufficient does the system allow light emission, thus preventing potential damage in advance.
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 quickly raises the temperature of the laser light source in low temperature environments, enabling stable image output while reducing costs by avoiding the need for additional heating components and preventing damage from unnecessary laser exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source for emitting laser light
Implementation Method 2
the light source driving means emits the laser light to the laser light source and performs a self-heating drive to raise the temperature of the laser source
Implementation Method 3
the LD can be warmed up to a normally operable temperature range using a thermoelectric element of a Peltier element
Implementation Method 4
reflection means for reflecting display light indicating the image in a direction of the light-transmitting unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a display device for a vehicle that can, in a configuration in which the cost of parts is curbed, quickly raise the temperature of a laser light source (LD) in a low temperature environment, and quickly perform stable image output. The LDs (11, 12, 13) emit laser light (RGB) and an MEMS mirror (30) scans the laser light (RGB) and generates a display image (M). A convex mirror (70) reflects display light (L) indicating the display image (M) in an external direction via a translucent light-transmitting unit (90). An LD driving means (101) emits laser light (RGB) to the LDs (11, 12, 13) when the temperature is low, and causes the LDs (11, 12, 13) to perform self-heating driving for raising the temperature of themselves.