Laser Projector Light Combining Layout With Fewer Optical Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser projectors require numerous optical components, increasing hardware cost, weight, and volume due to the use of traditional light combining modules that involve beam splitters and multiple reflectors.
Innovation Solution
A laser projector design utilizing a light combining device with a dichroic mirror, a single reflecting mirror, and a wavelength converter, which reduces the number of optical elements by using a dichroic mirror to reflect and transmit light portions efficiently, forming an illumination beam without the need for additional lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional light combining modules use multiple optical components to combine illumination beams and wavelength converted beams, then the light combining function is achieved, but the hardware cost, weight, and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single dichroic mirror that simultaneously performs beam combining and wavelength conversion. The dichroic mirror integrates the functions of traditional separate components (beam splitter, wavelength converter, and combiner) into one element, reducing the number of optical components while maintaining light combining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic mirror serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam splitter for the illumination beam, a wavelength conversion substrate, and a beam combiner for merging the illumination beam with the wavelength-converted beam. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Reliability
If traditional light combining modules use multiple reflectors and beam splitters, then the illumination beam can be combined with wavelength converted beams, but the product weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions previously requiring separate components (beam splitting, wavelength conversion, beam combining) are merged into a single dichroic mirror assembly, significantly reducing the total weight of optical components in the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (multiple reflectors and beam splitters) from the optical path, keeping only the essential dichroic mirror and wavelength converter needed to achieve the same beam combination result with reduced weight
3Ease of operation
If traditional light combining modules use multiple optical components, then comprehensive light beam manipulation is achieved, but the hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple expensive optical components into a single integrated dichroic mirror system, reducing the total hardware cost while maintaining the optical path control functionality through the simplified design
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
Reduces hardware costs and product size by minimizing the number of optical elements, enhancing optical efficiency and reducing weight.
Implementation Method 1
The dichroic mirror has a surface and is disposed on the first optical path between the laser light source and the reflecting mirror. The surface is for reflecting a first portion of the first light beam. The second portion of the first light beam is allowed to penetrate the dichroic mirror.
Implementation Method 2
The wavelength converter is for receiving the first portion of the first light beam reflected from the surface and emitting a second light beam to the second optical path
Implementation Method 3
The reflecting mirror is disposed on the first optical path and is for reflecting the second portion of the first light beam to the surface of the dichroic mirror
Implementation Method 4
The light splitting system is disposed on the second optical path for receiving the illumination beam to generate a plurality of color beams
Data Source
AI summary
A laser projector includes a light combining device, a light splitting system, a plurality of light valves, and a beam combiner. The light combining device is for emitting an illumination beam. The light splitting system is for receiving the illumination beam to generate a plurality of color beams. The plurality of light valves is for receiving and modulating the plurality of color beams to generate modulated color beams. The beam combiner is for combining the modulated color beams to form a full-color image.