Lens Array with Varying Diameters for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of a coherent light source with a lens array having uniform lens diameters and pitches results in regular interference patterns and bright spots during illumination, hindering uniform illumination, and existing solutions complicate the optical system structure.
Innovation Solution
A lens array with first lens elements of varying diameters and focal lengths, where one lens element has a diameter d and focal length f, and another has a diameter k×d and focal length k×f (where k is greater than zero but not 1), is used to collect and guide light beams to a specific area, accompanied by a scanning device to adjust the light beam direction, ensuring uniform illumination without a complex optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a lens array with uniform lens diameters and pitches is used, then the optical system structure is simple, but regular interference patterns and bright spots are generated that hinder uniform illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each lens element have different optical characteristics (different diameters and/or different focal lengths) from others in the array. This local differentiation disrupts the regular interference pattern while maintaining overall system functionality for uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by varying the lens diameters and/or focal lengths among lens elements in the array. Instead of uniform symmetry, the asymmetric configuration of different lens parameters prevents regular interference patterns and achieves uniform illumination distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If a rotary diffuser plate or vibration mechanism is added to prevent bright spots, then uniform illumination is achieved, but the optical system structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex auxiliary components (rotary diffuser plates or vibration mechanisms) by incorporating the uniforming function directly into the lens array structure itself. The solution is built into the fundamental configuration of the lens elements rather than added as a separate complexity-inducing component.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens array with varying lens parameters serves its own uniforming function without requiring external assistance from diffuser plates or vibration mechanisms. The system is self-sufficient in achieving uniform illumination through its inherent structural design.
3Illumination intensity
If lens elements with different diameters and focal lengths are used, then uniform illumination is achieved without complex structures, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately changes key parameters (lens diameter and/or focal length) among different lens elements to achieve uniform illumination. This parameter variation is the core mechanism that disrupts interference patterns while the patent manages the manufacturing implications through systematic 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
This configuration achieves uniform illumination across the entire region, reducing the visibility of interference patterns and speckles, while maintaining efficient light utilization and simplifying the optical system structure.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first lens elements (43) to collect incident light beams
Implementation Method 2
a field lens (42) to guide each of the light beams that have passed through the plurality of first lens elements (43) to an entire region of a specific area
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device has a plurality of first lens elements to collect incident light beams, and a field lens to guide each of the light beams that have passed through the plurality of first lens elements to an entire region of a specific area. The plurality of first lens elements include at least two first lens elements having different lens diameters from each other. When one of the two first lens elements has a lens diameter d and a focal length f, another of the two first lens elements has a lens diameter k×d (where k is a value larger than zero but other than 1) and a focal length k×f.