Illumination System With Shared Optical Path For Infrared Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projection devices require additional space and optical complexity to incorporate an infrared light source, as it cannot be directly combined with the existing optical path, limiting their compactness and versatility.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system with a first and second light source, a light combining module, and a wavelength conversion element, where the first light source provides a laser beam and the second light source provides an infrared beam, both sharing a transmission path through a light combining module and wavelength conversion element, allowing for the generation of an illumination beam that includes the infrared light without needing additional optical lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional infrared light source is added to the projection device, then the device can provide infrared light for various applications, but the device volume increases and cannot use the same housing as existing models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infrared light source with the existing main light source optical path by using a light combining module. The infrared beam and the blue laser beam are merged into a common optical path, allowing both functions to coexist within the same housing without requiring separate optical paths and additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed to provide multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The same optical path and housing are used for both the main projection light source and the infrared light source, making the device versatile for both standard projection and infrared applications (such as night vision training) without increasing volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional infrared light source is added with a separate optical path, then the infrared light can be provided, but the optical path structure becomes more complex and requires additional optical lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the infrared optical path with the existing main light source optical path using a light combining module. This integration eliminates the need for completely separate optical paths and reduces the number of optical lenses required, as both beams share common optical components after the combining module.
Solution Approach 2:
The light combining module acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the integration of the infrared beam into the existing optical path. This mediator enables the combination of different wavelength beams (infrared and blue laser) without requiring complex separate optical systems, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the infrared light source is integrated into the existing optical path, then the device volume is reduced, but the light sources need to share the same transmission path which requires sophisticated light combining and wavelength conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements merging of the infrared and blue laser beams into a common transmission path using a light combining module. This approach achieves compact integration while managing the complexity through standardized optical combining techniques, balancing volume reduction with acceptable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a rotary disk with wavelength conversion material that can be rotated to selectively convert the blue laser beam to green light when needed. This dynamic component allows the system to adapt its optical path characteristics based on operational requirements, managing the complexity through controlled, on-demand wavelength conversion rather than permanent structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing projection device models are upgraded to include infrared capability, then versatility is improved, but the housing size may need to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing projection device models to be upgraded with infrared capability by integrating the infrared light source into the existing housing and optical path structure. The light combining module and shared optical path allow the upgrade to occur within the original housing boundaries, maintaining the same external dimensions while adding infrared functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The upgraded illumination system provides universal functionality by combining both the main projection light source and the infrared light source within the same housing. This multi-functional design allows existing models to serve both standard projection applications and infrared applications (such as night vision training) without requiring larger housing or separate device structures.
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
Enables the provision of additional infrared light for various applications without increasing the device's size, allowing existing projection device models to be upgraded and maintaining a compact housing.
Implementation Method 1
The light combining module is disposed on a transmission path of the first beam from the first light source and the second beam from the second light source, so that the first beam and the second beam have the same transmission path between the light combining module and the wavelength conversion element
Implementation Method 2
The wavelength conversion material layer is configured to convert the first beam into an excited beam
Implementation Method 3
The light splitting layer is configured to reflect the second beam and allow the first beam and the excited beam to pass through
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system includes a first light source, a second light source, a light combining module, and a wavelength conversion element. The first light source is configured to provide a first beam. The second light source is configured to provide a second beam. The light combining module is disposed on a transmission path of the first beam from the first light source and the second beam from the second light source. The wavelength conversion element includes a rotary disk, a wavelength conversion material layer, and a light splitting layer. The light splitting layer is disposed on the rotary disk. The wavelength conversion material layer is disposed between the rotary disk and the light splitting layer, and is configured to convert the first beam into an excited beam. The light splitting layer is configured to reflect the second beam and allow the first beam and the excited beam to pass through.