Laser Projection Module Fracture Detection via Conductive Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser projection modules with vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) face issues with reduced energy due to components like glass being easily broken, and existing methods fail to effectively detect fractures in these modules, potentially leading to unsafe high energy emission.
Innovation Solution
A laser projection module with a collimating element and diffractive element, both equipped with transparent conductive films and electrodes, which output electrical signals when energized, allowing for detection of fractures by determining if the signals are within a preset range, thereby preventing unsafe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If glass or other easily broken components are used in the laser projection module, then the device can be manufactured with standard materials and processes, but the reliability of the module decreases due to susceptibility to fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating a conductive film and electrode structure into the optical assembly before the laser emitter operates. This detection system is pre-configured to detect fractures before they lead to unsafe high-energy emission, allowing the system to prevent damage before it occurs rather than reacting after failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive film and electrode serve as an intermediary detection mechanism between the optical components and the control system. When a fracture occurs in the collimating or diffractive element, the conductive film detects the change in electrical properties and triggers a shutdown signal, acting as a mediator that translates physical damage into a controllable safety response.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the laser light energy is reduced by passing through collimating and diffractive elements, then the signal strength falls below the damage threshold to the human body, but the energy reduction compromises the effectiveness of the laser projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the electrical state of the conductive film in the optical assembly. When a fracture is detected through changes in electrical conductivity or resistance, the system immediately feedbacks a shutdown signal to the laser emitter, stopping operation before unsafe energy levels can be emitted. This closed-loop feedback ensures safety without permanently reducing laser energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the laser emitter based on the integrity of the optical assembly. When the conductive film detects a fracture, the system changes the energy emission parameter from normal operating levels to zero or reduced levels, allowing the laser to operate at full effectiveness when intact and safely reduce energy when damaged.
3Device complexity
If existing fracture detection methods are used, then the detection system is simple, but they fail to effectively detect fractures in the laser projection module, creating a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive film integrated into the optical assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both an optical component (collimating or diffractive element) and a fracture detection sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection devices, maintaining system simplicity while achieving reliable fracture detection through the electrical properties of the conductive material.
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 enables safe operation by detecting fractures in the laser projection module, preventing high energy emission and ensuring user safety by turning off or reducing the laser light when a fracture is detected.
Implementation Method 1
The collimating element and/or the diffractive element is provided with a transparent conductive film, a conductive electrode is disposed on the transparent conductive film, and the conductive electrode is configured to output an electrical signal after being energized
Implementation Method 2
a collimating element, configured to collimate the laser light
Implementation Method 3
a diffractive element, configured to diffract the laser light collimated by the collimating element to form the laser pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A laser projection module (100) and a method for detecting a fracture thereof, a depth camera (1000) and an electronic device (3000). The laser projection module (100) includes a laser emitter (10) and an optical assembly (80). The laser emitter (10) is configured to emit laser light. The laser light passes through the optical assembly (80) to form a laser pattern.