Integrated Optical Element for Compact Illumination Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional illumination modules in optomechanical systems for virtual and augmented reality devices are bulky and heavy due to the use of multiple glass lenses, which hinders the development of slimmer and lighter devices.

Innovation Solution

A compact illumination module design featuring a light source with multiple lighting units and a first optical element with fewer optical units, optimized for light mixing and efficiency, reducing volume and weight while maintaining light source usage efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional illumination module uses multiple glass lenses to achieve good optical effect, then optical performance is improved, but volume and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidillumination module volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical functions (light collection, collimation, homogenization, and relay) into a single integrated optical element. This optical element has a first surface for receiving light from the light source and a second surface for outputting collimated and homogenized light, eliminating the need for separate glass lenses while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated optical element performs multiple optical functions simultaneously: it collects light from the light source, collimates the light beams, homogenizes the light distribution, and acts as a relay element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving the same optical effects as traditional multi-lens systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional illumination module uses multiple glass lenses to achieve good optical effect, then optical performance is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidillumination module weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a plastic or resin material for the integrated optical element instead of traditional glass lenses. This material substitution significantly reduces weight while maintaining the necessary optical properties for light collection, collimation, and homogenization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of stationary object

If illumination module reduces the number of optical elements to decrease volume, then volume is reduced, but light mixing efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination module volumeVSAvoidlight source usage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated optical element has different surface characteristics optimized for specific functions: the first surface is designed for efficient light collection from the light source, while the second surface is designed for collimation and homogenization. This local optimization of surface properties ensures high light mixing efficiency despite the reduced number of elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The optical element employs curved surfaces with specific radii of curvature to achieve light collimation and homogenization. The first surface has a curvature optimized for light collection, while the second surface has a curvature optimized for collimation, enabling efficient light mixing in a single element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 effectively reduces the volume and weight of virtual and augmented reality devices, enhancing light mixing and uniformity while improving the overall optical performance.

Implementation Method 1

The first optical element includes a plurality of optical units. The light beams emitted by at least two lighting units are incident and passes through the same optical unit for light mixing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20240231209A1Illumination module and optical apparatus thereof

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 SINTAI OPTICAL SHENZHEN CO LTD

AI summary

An illumination module includes a light source and a first optical element. The illumination module is set in an optical apparatus. The light source includes a plurality of lighting units and each lighting unit emits a light beam, wherein the light beam includes a colored light and the light source emits a plurality of light beams. The first optical element includes a plurality of optical units.