Actuator-Mounted Light Source for Projection Apparatus Volume Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scanning projection apparatuses are limited by the high swing frequency of the actuator, which restricts image size and resolution, and have a bulky design due to the lack of devices between the actuator and light source, potentially causing stray light issues that affect image quality.

Innovation Solution

The light source is directly disposed on the actuator, and multiple actuators with light sources are used to increase resolution and image size, with a reduced volume and improved layout, and the actuator can change the transmission paths of light beams to project images efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the actuator swings at high frequency to achieve high resolution, then image resolution is improved, but the actuator operation frequency increases which limits image size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidactuator swing frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single actuator system into multiple actuators (first actuator and second actuator), each responsible for different scanning directions. This segmentation allows each actuator to operate at lower frequencies while collectively achieving high resolution through coordinated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-direction scanning to two-dimensional scanning by adding a second actuator for vertical direction control. This dimensional expansion enables resolution improvement without proportionally increasing the swing frequency of individual actuators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If no device is placed between the actuator and light source to avoid stray light, then image quality is maintained, but the volume of the projection apparatus cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestray light effectVSAvoidapparatus volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light blocking member as an intermediary element positioned between the actuator and light source. This member strategically blocks stray light paths while maintaining the necessary optical transmission paths, thus improving image quality without requiring increased spacing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking member is positioned in a specific spatial dimension that intercepts stray light without obstructing the main optical path. This dimensional positioning allows volume reduction while still addressing the stray light problem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If multiple actuators with light sources are used, then image resolution and size are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidactuator and light source configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuators and light sources into a coordinated system where the first actuator controls horizontal scanning and the second actuator controls vertical scanning. This merging of functions into a unified two-dimensional scanning system achieves high resolution while managing complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 image resolution and size without increasing the operation frequency of the actuator, reduces the volume of the projection apparatus, and minimizes stray light effects, leading to improved image quality.

Implementation Method 1

The light source is disposed on the actuator and is capable for emitting light beams sequentially. The actuator is capable for driving the light source so as to change the transmission paths of the light beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS7862178B2Scanning projection apparatus
Publication Date: 2011.01.04 YOUNG OPTICS
  • US7862178B2 patent drawing
  • US7862178B2 patent drawing
  • US7862178B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A projection apparatus including an actuator, a light source, and a projection lens is provided. The light source is disposed on the actuator and is capable for emitting light beams sequentially. The actuator is capable for driving the light source so as to change the transmission paths of the light beams. The projection lens is disposed on the transmission paths of the light beams. The volume of the projection apparatus can be reduced since the light source is directly disposed on the actuator.