Integrated Wire Grid Polarizer for Projection Display Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of optical elements in projection-type display apparatuses leads to higher costs and assembly complexity, and the close proximity of polarizers to liquid crystal devices results in heat accumulation and potential degradation.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a wire-grid polarizer on the light exiting surface of the polarization converter, allowing it to function as a single optical part, reducing the number of discrete optical elements and minimizing stress on polarizers, while also providing spatial room for cooling and reducing assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical elements are arranged along the optical path, then the display function is improved, but the part cost and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wire-grid polarizer is integrated directly onto the light exiting surface of the polarization converter, merging two previously separate optical elements into a single integrated component. This reduces the total number of discrete optical elements along the optical path, thereby lowering part costs and assembly complexity while maintaining the required display function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated wire-grid polarizer structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the polarization converter and the light-incident-side polarizer for subsequent optical elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall optical system while preserving essential display capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the light-incident-side polarizer is disposed close to the liquid crystal device, then the optical path is compact, but heat accumulates causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the wire-grid polarizer onto the polarization converter, the design eliminates the need for a separate light-incident-side polarizer positioned close to the liquid crystal device. This merging creates physical space between the liquid crystal device and remaining optical elements, enabling heat dissipation while maintaining a compact overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic light-incident-side polarizer that caused heat accumulation near the liquid crystal device is extracted from the immediate vicinity of the liquid crystal device. Its function is instead integrated onto the polarization converter, which is positioned farther from the liquid crystal device, thereby removing the heat accumulation issue while preserving optical functionality.
3Ease of repair
If the light-incident-side polarizer is a discrete optical element, then it can be independently replaced, but stress causes breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The wire-grid polarizer is merged with the polarization converter substrate, creating an integrated structure where the polarizer cannot be independently replaced. This integration significantly enhances mechanical strength and stress resistance, as the polarizer becomes part of the robust converter substrate rather than a fragile separate element.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration creates a composite structure combining the polarization converter substrate with the wire-grid polarizer layer. This composite construction provides mechanical support and stress distribution, making the polarizer much more resistant to breakage from induced stress while maintaining its optical polarization function.
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 enables efficient assembly, reduces the risk of polarizer breakage, improves heat dissipation around liquid crystal devices, and lowers overall costs by simplifying the assembly process and enhancing color balance in projected images.
Implementation Method 1
a wire grid layered on a light exiting surface of the polarization converter... which transmits the first polarization component, and converts the second polarization component into the first polarization component
Implementation Method 2
a light-incident-side polarizer that transmits the first polarization component out of light having exited out of the polarization converter
Data Source
AI summary
In a projection-type display apparatus, a polarization converter, a light-incident-side polarizer, a first liquid crystal device, a first light-exiting-side polarizer, and a retardation film are arranged along the optical path from a light source section to a projection system. The light-incident-side polarizer is a wire grid polarizer including a wire grid integrally provided on the light exiting surface of the polarization converter, and the light-incident-side polarizer and the polarization converter form a single optical part. The first light-exiting-side polarizer is a wire grid polarizer including a wire grid integrally provided on the light exiting surface of the first liquid crystal device, and the first light-exiting-side polarizer and the first liquid crystal device form a single optical part.