Compact Illumination System Using Integrated Color Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection apparatuses require additional optical elements to transmit light through non-light conversion regions, leading to increased volume and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system comprising an excitation light source, a transparent substrate, a dichroic film, and a color wheel element with wavelength conversion materials, where the first color light passes through the transparent substrate and dichroic film to be converted into second color light, with a part reflected back to the color wheel element and another part passing through to a light uniforming element, eliminating the need for additional optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional optical elements are added to transmit light through non-light conversion regions, then the illumination system can provide complete three-primary color illumination, but the volume and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light transmission function for non-conversion regions directly into the color wheel element structure. The color wheel element integrates both wavelength conversion regions and non-conversion regions in a single component, eliminating the need for separate optical elements to transmit light through non-conversion regions. This merging approach maintains complete three-primary color illumination while reducing system volume and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The color wheel element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides wavelength conversion for excitation light, allows direct transmission of non-conversion region light, and serves as a timing control mechanism for sequential color output. By making the color wheel element universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated optical elements, thereby reducing system volume while maintaining illumination completeness.
2Reliability
If additional optical elements are added to transmit light through non-light conversion regions, then the illumination system can provide complete three-primary color illumination, but the number of optical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light transmission function for non-conversion regions directly into the color wheel element structure. The color wheel element integrates both wavelength conversion regions and non-conversion regions in a single component, eliminating the need for separate optical elements to transmit light through non-conversion regions. This merging approach maintains complete three-primary color illumination while reducing system volume and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The color wheel element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides wavelength conversion for excitation light, allows direct transmission of non-conversion region light, and serves as a timing control mechanism for sequential color output. By making the color wheel element universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated optical elements, thereby reducing system volume while maintaining illumination completeness.
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact configuration is used to reduce volume, then the number of optical components is reduced, but light transmission efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light transmission function for non-conversion regions directly into the color wheel element structure. The color wheel element integrates both wavelength conversion regions and non-conversion regions in a single component, eliminating the need for separate optical elements to transmit light through non-conversion regions. This merging approach maintains complete three-primary color illumination while reducing system volume and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous and efficient light transmission by designing the color wheel element to allow unobstructed light paths for both converted and non-converted wavelengths. The integrated structure eliminates air gaps and additional interfaces that would cause losses, maintaining high light transmission efficiency while achieving a compact configuration.
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 reduces the volume and number of optical components, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective projection apparatus with improved light usage and intensity.
Implementation Method 1
is converted into a second color light by the at least one wavelength conversion material of the first color wheel element
Implementation Method 2
is reflected back to the first color wheel element by the dichroic film
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system including an excitation light source, a transparent substrate, a dichroic film, a first color wheel element and a light uniforming element are provided. The excitation light source emits a first color light. The first color wheel element includes a wavelength conversion material. The first color wheel element has a first side and a second side. The first color light passes through a solid structure of the transparent substrate and the dichroic film, and is transmitted to the first color wheel element and converted into a second color light by the wavelength conversion material. A first part of the second color light is transmitted towards the dichroic film, and is reflected back to the first color wheel element by the dichroic film to enter the light uniforming element. A second part of the second color light passes through the first color wheel element to enter the light uniforming element.