Alignment Module Optical Component Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alignment modules for projection apparatuses are costly and heavy due to the large number of optical components used, particularly in the reflection and mixing of illumination and excitation beams.
Innovation Solution
An alignment module comprising a light source module, collimator lens, wavelength transformation module, polarizing beamsplitter, quarter wave plate, and dichroic mirror, which reduces the number of optical components by utilizing polarization states and double transformations through the quarter wave plate to achieve light splitting and mixing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional alignment module uses multiple optical components for beam reflection and mixing, then light splitting and mixing functions are achieved, but hardware cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (beam splitting, beam mixing, wavelength transformation) into fewer integrated components. The dichroic mirror and wavelength transformation module perform both beam direction control and wavelength conversion in a single component, reducing the total number of optical elements while maintaining all necessary light manipulation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength transformation module serves multiple functions: it transforms the illumination beam wavelength, directs beams through reflection, and works in conjunction with the dichroic mirror for beam mixing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional alignment module uses a large number of optical components, then complete beam path control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the wavelength transformation and beam direction functions into a single wavelength transformation module, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled, directly lowering manufacturing costs while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant optical components from the conventional design. By using the wavelength transformation module to perform multiple functions, certain separate beam steering and wavelength conversion elements are removed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing component costs.
3Weight of moving object
If conventional alignment module uses multiple optical components for beam manipulation, then illumination and excitation beam mixing is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges beam mixing and wavelength transformation functions into integrated components, reducing the total mass of optical elements. The dichroic mirror and wavelength transformation module work together as a compact assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate heavy components while maintaining effective beam mixing.
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 decreases the number of optical components and manufacturing costs while maintaining effective light splitting and mixing functions, thereby reducing the overall weight and expense of the projection apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The quarter wave plate is adapted to transform the first illumination beam with the first polarization state into the second illumination beam with the second polarization state through double transformation
Implementation Method 2
The polarizing beamsplitter is adapted to reflect the first illumination beam with the first polarization state, and further allow passing of the actuation beam and a second illumination beam with a second polarization state
Implementation Method 3
The dichroic mirror is adapted to allow passing of the actuation beam and further to reflect the first illumination beam from the quarter wave plate
Implementation Method 4
The illumination beam is transformed into an excitation beam with different color via the wavelength conversion device (such as the color wheel partly covered by phosphor powder or quantum dot material)
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment module includes a light source module, a collimator lens, a wavelength transformation module, a polarizing beamsplitter and a quarter wave plate. The light source module provides a first illumination beam with a first polarization state. The wavelength transformation module receives the first illumination beam to generate an actuation beam and reflect the first illumination beam. The polarizing beamsplitter is disposed between the light source module and the collimator lens and allows passing of the actuation beam. The quarter wave plate is disposed on a downstream of the polarizing beamsplitter. The first illumination beam with the first polarization state is transformed into a second illumination beam with a second polarization state via the quarter wave plate.