Illumination System Aperture Angle Reduction Integrator Rod
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination systems with micro-lens arrays are complex, costly, and unsuitable for small image systems due to their large volume and complex structure, failing to provide superior uniformity of illumination efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system comprising a light source, a first lens group with two convex lenses, an integrator rod, and a second lens group with multiple convex lenses and a stop, which reduces the aperture angle and amplifies the illumination field to achieve uniform light distribution, using materials like BK7, ZF2, and H-ZK7 glass, and a polarizer for improved light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If micro-lens arrays are used to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the micro-lens array component from the illumination system, replacing it with a simplified optical path that uses only a condenser lens and field lens to achieve uniform illumination, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining illumination quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simulation model to copy and analyze the optical path behavior, demonstrating that the simplified system without micro-lens arrays can reproduce uniform illumination patterns through proper lens positioning and selection, validating the design before physical implementation
2Illumination intensity
If micro-lens arrays are used to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive micro-lens array component from the system, replacing it with standard lenses that can be manufactured using conventional processes, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining illumination uniformity through optimized optical design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive, precisely engineered micro-lens arrays with more economical standard lenses that can be readily replaced or adjusted, reducing both initial manufacturing cost and long-term maintenance expenses
3Illumination intensity
If micro-lens arrays are used to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulky micro-lens array assembly from the system and replaces it with a compact arrangement of standard lenses, significantly reducing the overall system volume while maintaining the ability to produce uniform illumination through optimized lens spacing and selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the condenser lens and field lens in a nested or closely integrated configuration, minimizing the spatial footprint of the illumination system while maintaining effective optical paths for uniform illumination delivery
4Illumination intensity
If micro-lens arrays are used to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but ease of application to small image systems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the micro-lens array that limits adaptability to small systems and replaces it with a flexible lens combination that can be easily scaled and adapted to various small image system configurations, enhancing versatility while maintaining illumination quality
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 system achieves superior uniformity of illumination with a simple structure and low cost, as demonstrated by the simulation of a square light spot with uniform illumination distribution, suitable for small image systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens group (12) reduces an aperture angle of light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
an integrator rod (14), which is capable of making the light uniformly
Implementation Method 3
The second lens group (16) amplifies an illumination field of the light and further reduces the aperture angle of the light
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system defined a primary optical axis is provided. The illumination system comprises a light source, a first lens group, an integrator rod, and a second lens group successively located on the primary optical axis. The light source is configured to output a light. The first lens group is configured to reduce an aperture angle of the light to about 27 degrees. The integrator rod is configured to make the light uniformly. The second lens group is configured to amplify an illumination field of the light and reduce the aperture angle of the light to about 3 degrees.