Lens Array Diverges Laser Beam for Projection Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser projection apparatuses face challenges in achieving high output brightness and energy utilization efficiency due to overly concentrated coherent light beam energy, which leads to reduced conversion efficiency and potential damage from heat buildup in the fluorescent powder layer.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a coherent light source device with a light collimating element and a light delivery module featuring a lens array surface to diverge and homogenize the coherent light beam, eliminating the need for a diffusion film and reducing energy concentration on the light wavelength conversion module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If laser power is increased to improve output brightness, then brightness is improved, but conversion efficiency of fluorescent powder is reduced and heat buildup occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput brightnessVSAvoidconversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the concentrated laser beam into multiple parallel beams using a lens array, distributing the energy across multiple paths to the fluorescent powder layer. This segmentation prevents excessive energy concentration at any single point, maintaining conversion efficiency while achieving high overall brightness through cumulative light output from multiple beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If diffusion film is added to homogenize energy, then energy distribution is improved, but energy consumption increases and optical coupling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy distribution uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical diffusion film approach with an optical system using lens arrays to achieve energy homogenization. The lens array optically divides and redistributes the laser beam energy through precise optical paths, eliminating the need for physical diffusion films and their associated energy losses while maintaining uniform energy distribution on the fluorescent powder layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If diffusion film is used to diffuse light spot, then energy homogenization is achieved, but long axis of light spot becomes overly long causing optical coupling difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy homogenizationVSAvoidoptical coupling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens array segments the laser beam into multiple parallel beams that maintain controlled spot dimensions. Each beam is individually directed to the fluorescent powder layer, achieving energy homogenization through spatial distribution without excessive elongation of individual spots, thereby preserving optical coupling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from isotropic diffusion in all directions to anisotropic distribution by arranging lens elements in a specific two-dimensional array pattern. This dimensional organization allows controlled energy distribution across the fluorescent powder layer while maintaining appropriate spot sizes for efficient optical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach enhances energy utilization efficiency and output brightness while preventing energy loss and optical coupling difficulties, resulting in a more effective projection apparatus with reduced risk of heat damage.

Implementation Method 1

The light collimating element is located on a transmission path of the at least one coherent light beam from the light emitting source and collimates the at least one coherent light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation:

Implementation Method 2

The first lens has a lens array surface. The lens array surface is adapted to diverge any of the at least one coherent light beam from the light collimating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDivergence:

Implementation Method 3

The light wavelength conversion module is adapted to convert one portion of the at least one coherent light beam into a converted light beam. A wavelength of the converted light beam is different from a wavelength of the at least one coherent light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9915863B2Projection apparatus and illumination system

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 CORETRONIC CORPORATION

AI summary

An illumination system including a coherent light source device, a light delivery module, and a light wavelength conversion module is provided. The coherent light source device includes a light emitting source and a light collimating element. The light emitting source is adapted to emit at least one coherent light beam. The light collimating element is located on a transmission path of the at least one coherent light beam from the light emitting source and collimates the at least one coherent light beam. The light delivery module is located on a transmission path of at least one coherent light beam from the light collimating element and includes a first lens. The first lens has a lens array surface adapted to diverge any of the coherent light beam from the light collimating element. A projection apparatus is also provided.