Compact Projector Light Source with Differentially Tilted Refractors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source systems for projectors are bulky due to the inclusion of multiple optical elements, which hinders their application in compact or micro projectors.
Innovation Solution
A light source system design featuring two light sources and refracting elements with different tilt angles, along with a reflective module, to enhance the overlap of light spots and improve aberration and decentering issues, allowing for a more compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple optical elements are included in the light source system, then the illumination function is improved, but the volume of the projector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (collimation, refraction, reflection) into an integrated optical system where the first and second refracting elements work together with the reflective module to achieve both illumination and compactness. The light sources are positioned to share common optical paths and components, merging previously separate functional blocks into a unified system that reduces overall volume while maintaining illumination performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the light sources are positioned on opposite sides of the optical axis, then the light spot overlap is improved, but the alignment precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the first and second light sources relative to the optical axis, with each light source at a different lateral distance. This asymmetric configuration, combined with corresponding asymmetric refraction angles of the first and second refracting elements, creates optimized light path geometry that enhances light spot overlap on the reflective module while maintaining manufacturable alignment tolerances through the designed geometric relationships.
3Reliability
If the refracting elements have different tilt angles, then the aberration is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different tilt angles to the first and second refracting elements according to their specific positions and functions in the optical system. The first refracting element has a first tilt angle optimized for the first light source's position, while the second refracting element has a second tilt angle optimized for the second light source's position. This localized optimization of refraction angles reduces aberrations for each light path while keeping the overall manufacturing complexity manageable through the systematic design approach.
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 proposed design increases the overlap of light spots, improves optical efficiency, and reduces the overall size of the light source system, making it suitable for small or micro projectors.
Implementation Method 1
The first refracting element is disposed on one of the first side and the second side of the optical axis and configure to refract the first light beam. The second refracting element is disposed on the other one of the first side and the second side of the optical axis and configure to refract the second light beam
Implementation Method 2
The reflective module is configured to reflect the first light beam reflected by the first refracting element and the second light beam reflected by the second refracting element
Data Source
AI summary
A light source system includes collimating element, first light source, second light source, first refracting element, second refracting element and reflective element. The first light source is disposed on a first side of an optical axis. The second light source is disposed on the second side of the optical axis. The first refracting element is disposed on the first side or the second side and reflects a first light beam. The second refracting element is disposed on the other one of the first side and the second side of the optical axis and reflects a second light beam. The reflective element reflects the light beam. An adaxial one of the first refracting element and the second refracting element is closer to the optical axis than an abaxial one of the first refracting element and the second refracting element, and the refracting elements are different in tilt angle.