Deflector Optical Element Projection System Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection systems face challenges in shortening the projection distance while maintaining system compactness and avoiding increases in the size of the reflection surface, which complicates the design and interferes with the orientation of light fluxes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a deflector between the first and second optical systems, along with an optical element featuring a transmissive surface, a concave reflection surface, and a second transmissive surface, allows for a shorter projection distance without increasing the size of the reflection surface and enables flexible orientation of light fluxes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the projection distance is shortened, then the system compactness is improved, but the design complexity increases and the reflection surface size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection distanceVSAvoidsystem design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into three distinct functional components: a first optical system for initial light path formation, a deflector for intermediate light path redirection, and a second optical system for final image projection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving compact projection distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector introduces a new spatial dimension by deflecting the light path at an intermediate stage. This dimensional change in light path orientation enables the system to achieve compact projection distance without increasing the reflection surface size, as the light flux is redirected through a different spatial arrangement rather than expanding the existing optical path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the projection distance is shortened, then the system compactness is improved, but the reflection surface size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection distanceVSAvoidreflection surface size

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector changes the spatial dimension of light path propagation by deflecting light at an intermediate stage. This allows the optical system to achieve compact projection distance without increasing the reflection surface area, as the light flux is redirected through a different spatial arrangement rather than expanding the existing optical path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector acts as an intermediary element between the first and second optical systems. It mediates the light path by deflecting it at an intermediate position, enabling the system to achieve short projection distance without requiring a larger reflection surface, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If the projection distance is shortened, then the system compactness is improved, but the intermediate image inclination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection distanceVSAvoidintermediate image inclination

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector provides dynamic control over light path orientation by deflecting the optical path at an intermediate stage. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain proper intermediate image orientation while achieving compact projection distance, preventing image inclination through active light path management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector serves as an intermediary that mediates between the first optical system and the second optical system. By deflecting the light path at an intermediate position, it prevents intermediate image inclination while enabling short projection distance, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and image orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables a compact projection system with a short focal length, suppresses the inclination of intermediate images, and allows for the efficient orientation of light fluxes, reducing the overall size and improving manufacturing yield while maintaining high resolution.

Implementation Method 1

The optical element has a first transmissive surface, a reflection surface disposed on the enlargement side of the first transmissive surface, and a second transmissive surface disposed on the enlargement side of the reflection surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11822224B2Projection system and projector having deflector and optical element

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A projection system includes a first optical system, a second optical system including an optical element and disposed on the enlargement side of the first optical system, and a deflector disposed between the first optical system and the second optical system and deflecting the optical path. The optical element has a first transmissive surface, a reflection surface disposed on the enlargement side of the first transmissive surface, and a second transmissive surface disposed on the enlargement side of the reflection surface.