Integrated Lens Array for Compact Projection Light Uniformization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light uniformization systems in projection apparatuses are oversized due to numerous components, leading to complex assembly processes and increased size, which complicates manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A light uniformization system with an integrally-structured lens array element that uniformly distributes light beams using a first and second array region with micro lenses, allowing for parallel light exit and entry directions, and incorporates optical path folding units and diffusing elements to eliminate speckles, enabling a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple lens array elements are separately mounted in conventional light uniformization systems, then light uniformization function is achieved, but the number of components increases leading to larger size and complex assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separately mounted lens array elements into a single integrally-structured lens array element. This integration maintains the light uniformization function while reducing the number of components, simplifying the overall system structure and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally-structured lens array element performs multiple functions: it uniformizes light from the light source, folds the optical path, and eliminates speckles. By combining these functions into a single component, the system achieves the same performance with fewer parts.
2Reliability
If multiple lens array elements are separately mounted, then light uniformization is achieved, but assembly process becomes more complicated requiring additional calibration
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple lens array elements into one integral structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting and calibration of individual elements. The integral structure ensures proper alignment and optical path configuration is built-in, significantly simplifying the assembly process.
3Reliability
If conventional light uniformization system with many components is used, then light uniformization function is provided, but light engine size becomes larger and difficult to reduce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical functions into a single lens array element, which compactly folds the optical path. This integration dramatically reduces the spatial requirements of the light engine while maintaining full light uniformization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens array element utilizes optical path folding to redirect light in multiple dimensions within a compact structure. This allows the system to achieve the same optical path length and uniformization effect in a much smaller physical footprint.
4Ease of manufacture
If integrally-structured lens array element is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and assembly is simplified, but need to ensure proper light distribution uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The lens array element is designed with different regions (first array region and second array region) having different optical characteristics. The first region handles light from the light source while the second region handles folded optical paths, with each region optimized for its specific function to ensure overall light distribution uniformity.
5Reliability
If optical path folding units and diffusing elements are incorporated, then speckles are eliminated enhancing reliability, but system structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates optical path folding units and diffusing elements directly into the integrally-structured lens array element. By merging these speckle-elimination features into the main lens structure, the system achieves enhanced reliability without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased structural complexity.
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 integrally-structured lens array element reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies assembly, while minimizing the size of the light engine and enhancing reliability by eliminating speckles, thus improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The first light beams enter the second array region through the second light incident surface, pass through the second micro lenses and exit the second array region through the second light exiting surface
Implementation Method 2
a lens array element including a first array region and a second array region connected to each other... a plurality of first micro lenses... a plurality of second micro lenses
Implementation Method 3
incorporates optical path folding units and diffusing elements to eliminate speckles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a projection apparatus and a light uniformization system thereof. The light uniformization includes a lens array element including a first array region and a second array region. The first array region has a first light incident surface, a first light exiting surface and a plurality of first micro lenses. The second array region has a second light incident surface, a second light exiting surface and a plurality of second micro lenses. The first light incident surface and the second light exiting surface are on the same surface of the lens array element.