Lens Array Cylindrical Positioning for Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source devices for projectors require time-consuming adjustments of optical axes using screws, making the alignment of light source elements with lenses inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A lens array with cylindrical portions for positioning light source elements, combined with cylindrical holders that fit onto these portions, facilitates the alignment of optical axes, enabling quicker and more precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If adjustment screws are used to align optical axes of lenses and light emitting elements, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming cylindrical portions on the light emitting elements and corresponding cylindrical holes in the lens array during manufacturing. These cylindrical features serve as preliminary positioning structures that guide the alignment process, eliminating the need for time-consuming screw adjustments while maintaining high alignment accuracy between the light emitting elements and lenses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cylindrical positioning portions and corresponding cylindrical holes as intermediary structures that mediate the alignment between light emitting elements and lenses. These intermediary cylindrical features provide a simple yet effective interface for precise positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing adjustment time while preserving alignment accuracy
2Productivity
If cylindrical positioning portions are integrated into the lens array, then alignment efficiency improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function with the existing lens array structure by integrating cylindrical positioning portions directly into the lens array and matching cylindrical holes into the light emitting elements. This integration combines multiple functions (structural support and alignment guidance) into unified components, improving assembly efficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical positioning portions and holes serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the light emitting elements, guide the alignment of optical axes, and enable rapid assembly. This multi-functionality improves productivity while avoiding the need for separate dedicated positioning mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device 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
This configuration allows for faster and more accurate alignment of optical axes, improving the efficiency of light source device assembly and projector performance.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of lenses has, on a light entrance side thereof, a cylindrical portion for positioning each of the plurality of light source elements
Data Source
AI summary
A lens array which facilitates the alignment of optical axes of light source elements with optical axes of lenses, a light source device that employs this lens array, a projector that employs this light source device and a light source device fabrication method are provided. A lens array 73 is an integrated assembly of a plurality of lens portions 73b which collect individually light from a plurality of light source elements and has cylindrical portions 73c for positioning the plurality of light source elements on a light entrance side of the individual lens portions 73b.