Projector Illuminator Thermal Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminators for projectors that rely on rotating half-wave plates to control polarization ratios are costly and prone to thermal distortion, affecting the color balance of illumination light.
Innovation Solution
An illuminator that uses a temperature adjuster, such as a fan, to control the temperature of optical elements, thereby adjusting the polarization ratio of light incident on a polarization separation element, reducing thermal distortion and maintaining accurate color balance without the need for a rotatable half-wave plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable half-wave plate mechanism is used to control polarization ratio, then the polarization ratio of light incident on the polarization separation element can be adjusted, but the cost of the illuminator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system of the half-wave plate with a thermal field approach. By using a temperature adjuster to heat or cool the optical element, the polarization ratio is controlled through thermal effects rather than mechanical movement, thereby eliminating the need for complex rotating mechanisms and reducing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter (temperature) of the optical element to control its optical properties. By adjusting the temperature of the optical element, the polarization ratio of transmitted light is modified, providing a cost-effective alternative to mechanical rotation while achieving the same functional goal
2Device complexity
If the temperature of the optical element is not controlled, then the structure remains simple, but thermal distortion affects the polarization state and color balance of the illumination light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a light detector monitors the illumination light and a controller adjusts the temperature adjuster based on the detected light properties. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the polarization state and color balance are maintained despite thermal effects, improving reliability without significantly complicating the structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent actively controls the temperature parameter of the optical element to compensate for thermal distortion. By maintaining the optical element at a stable temperature or deliberately adjusting its temperature, the polarization state of transmitted light is stabilized, preventing color balance shifts while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
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 allows for cost-effective control of polarization ratios and maintains consistent color balance in illumination light, reducing the overall cost of the projector and enhancing image quality by minimizing disturbances to the polarization state.
Implementation Method 1
disturbance of the polarization state due to thermal distortion of the optical element
Implementation Method 2
light containing a predetermined polarized light component
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminator includes a light source that emits light containing a predetermined polarized light component, an optical element that transmits the light emitted from the light source, a polarization separation element on which the light having passed through the optical element is incident and which performs polarization separation on the incident light, and a temperature adjuster that adjusts the temperature of the optical element.