Condensing Lens Positioning for Phosphor Wheel Light Source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source units face inefficiencies in condensing light emitted from phosphors due to the interference of motors and lenses, limiting the size and position of the lens, which reduces the effectiveness of light utilization.
Innovation Solution
A light source unit design where the lens is positioned to face the light exiting surface of the wheel substrate, allowing it to cover the center and increase in size without interfering with the motor, coupled with a condensing optical system that includes plano-convex lenses to efficiently condense diffused light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the lens is brought close to the phosphor wheel to efficiently condense diffused light, then light condensing efficiency is improved, but the lens may interfere with the motor body or fixing member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the lens from the front side to the back side of the phosphor wheel, utilizing the unused spatial dimension on the motor-free side. This dimensional relocation allows the lens to be placed close to the phosphor wheel for efficient light condensing without interfering with the motor body, as the motor is located on the front side while the lens operates on the back side.
2Area of stationary object
If the diameter of the lens is increased to efficiently receive diffused light, then light receiving area is improved, but the device size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the lens to the back side of the phosphor wheel, the patent creates additional spatial freedom that allows for a larger lens diameter without proportionally increasing the overall device volume. The lens can be optimized for maximum light receiving area while the device footprint remains compact due to the efficient use of the back-side space.
3Productivity
If the lens is positioned to cover the center of the wheel substrate, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but the lens may interfere with the motor disposed on the light entering surface side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by placing the lens on the back side of the wheel substrate, which is the opposite side from where the motor is disposed. This allows the lens to be positioned centrally to cover the center of the wheel substrate for optimal light utilization, while the motor remains undisturbed on the front side, eliminating interference between the two components.
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 design enhances light utilization efficiency by allowing a larger lens size that covers the center of the wheel substrate, preventing interference with the motor and improving the condensation of diffused light, thus increasing the overall light source unit's efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more phosphor-containing regions each contains one or more phosphors that convert the laser light into light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the laser light
Implementation Method 2
a condensing optical system that faces the light exiting surface of the wheel substrate, and condenses light that has exited from the light exiting surface of the wheel substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A light source unit, includes: a semiconductor laser device that emits laser light; a wheel substrate that has a light entering surface and a light exiting surface, and includes one or more phosphor-containing regions each contains one or more kinds of phosphor converts the laser light into light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the laser light; a motor that faces the light entering surface of the wheel substrate, wherein the motor has a rotational shaft that supports a center of the wheel substrate, and is configured to rotate the wheel substrate; and a condensing optical system that faces the light exiting surface of the wheel substrate, and condenses light that has exited from the light exiting surface of the wheel substrate, the condensing optical system comprising a lens having an optical axis that substantially coincides with a reference axis of the light that has exited from the light exiting surface of the wheel substrate, wherein the lens is sized to cover the center of the wheel substrate.