Dichroic Filter Illumination Device for Compact Color Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems face limitations in combining light sources of different colors efficiently due to the Etendue constraint, leading to reduced light output and complex manufacturing processes, especially when sources have overlapping spectrums, and require multiple dichroic reflectors which increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact illumination device using a single dichroic filter to combine light sources with different spectral distributions, where each light source array generates beams that propagate at specific angles relative to the optical axis, allowing for efficient combination without the need for precise alignment of multiple dichroic reflectors, and incorporating a converging means to focus light beams along the optical axis, thereby reducing energy loss and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple dichroic reflectors are used to combine different color light sources, then the light output can be increased, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dichroic reflector functions into a single integrated dichroic filter element. This filter simultaneously reflects multiple wavelength ranges (e.g., red and green) while transmitting others (blue), eliminating the need for multiple separate reflectors and reducing system complexity while maintaining high light output.
Solution Approach 2:
The single dichroic filter performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components: it reflects multiple color bands, transmits complementary wavelengths, and combines multiple light sources into a single output beam, serving as a multi-functional optical element.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple dichroic reflectors are used to combine different color light sources, then the light output can be increased, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dichroic reflector functions into a single integrated dichroic filter element. This filter simultaneously reflects multiple wavelength ranges (e.g., red and green) while transmitting others (blue), eliminating the need for multiple separate reflectors and reducing system complexity while maintaining high light output.
Solution Approach 2:
The single dichroic filter performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components: it reflects multiple color bands, transmits complementary wavelengths, and combines multiple light sources into a single output beam, serving as a multi-functional optical element.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources with overlapping spectrums are combined, then the color rendering index improves, but the combination efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic filter is designed with wavelength-specific reflective and transmissive properties tailored to the spectral characteristics of each light source. By optimizing the filter's spectral response to match the overlapping spectra of phosphor-converted LEDs, the system efficiently combines sources with similar wavelengths while maintaining high color rendering index.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the spectral parameters of the dichroic filter to accommodate light sources with overlapping spectra. By modifying the filter's reflection and transmission bands to match the specific wavelength overlaps of phosphor-converted LEDs, the system achieves efficient combination while preserving the benefits of broad spectrum emission for improved color rendering.
4Illumination intensity
If three planes of sources and angled combiner filters are used, then the color mixing is achieved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths and combiner elements into a compact arrangement where a single dichroic filter handles multiple wavelength combinations. This reduces the spatial separation between light source planes and eliminates the need for extended angled filter arrangements, achieving effective color mixing in a reduced volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the optical arrangement to reduce spatial requirements by optimizing the angular relationships and positioning of light sources relative to the dichroic filter. By carefully designing the geometry of light source placement and filter orientation, the system achieves complete color mixing while minimizing the overall footprint of the illumination device.
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 solution enables efficient combination of light sources with reduced energy loss and complexity, allowing for a compact design that improves color rendering and maintains high light output without the need for multiple dichroic reflectors, thus being more cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a first dichroic filter (211) adapted to reflect said second light beam (205B) and transmit said first light beam (205R)
Implementation Method 2
a first converging means (315) that converges said green and blue light beams such that said green and blue light beams are focused at a position along the optical axis
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to an illumination device comprising a first light source array comprising at least a first light source; said first light source generates a first light beam having a first spectral distribution; said first light beam propagates primarily in a first direction along an optical axis; a second light source array comprising at least a second light source, said second light source generates a second light beam having a second spectral distribution; a first dichroic reflector positioned at least partially in said first light beam and said second light beam; said first dichroic reflector transmits at least a part of said first light beam and reflects at least a part of said second light beam; that said second light beam propagates in a second direction towards at least a part of said first light source array and at least substantially opposite to said first direction; that at least a part of said second light beam propagates primarily in said first direction after being reflected by said first dichroic reflector.