Light Combining Method for Projector Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in arranging light sources in a projector system to achieve high luminance while minimizing heat generation and interference between light sources, while also using identical lens array elements across multiple planes to reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
A light combining method where specific light source arrangement patterns on three planes are alternately arranged vertically, ensuring that light sources do not interfere with each other, and identical lens array elements can be used across all planes by maintaining identical light source positions and mirror image relations between planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are arranged closely on three planes to increase light integration and luminance, then the luminance is improved, but the light sources interfere with each other and cooling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source arrangement into three separate planes (first plane with light sources in horizontal direction, second plane with light sources in vertical direction, third plane with light sources in depth direction) rather than placing all light sources on a single plane. This segmentation allows each light source to be positioned independently without interfering with others, while still achieving high light integration through the mirror system that combines light from all three planes.
2Temperature
If cooling portions are mounted on each light source to manage heat, then heat management is improved, but the size of light sources increases and they are likely to interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of light sources to a three-dimensional arrangement across three planes. By distributing light sources along the horizontal direction on the first plane, vertical direction on the second plane, and depth direction on the third plane, the system provides sufficient spatial separation for cooling portions without increasing the overall device volume, as the cooling space is utilized in multiple dimensions simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If different lens array elements are prepared for each plane to accommodate different lens arrangements, then the light collimation is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the lens array elements with universal functionality, where the same lens array element can be used on all three planes by rotating or repositioning it. The lens array element is configured with multiple lens portions that can accommodate light sources arranged in different directions (horizontal, vertical, depth), eliminating the need to manufacture separate lens array elements for each plane and thereby reducing production costs.
4Illumination intensity
If the number of light sources is increased to achieve high luminance, then the luminance is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source array into three distinct planes, each handling a specific spatial dimension. This segmentation allows for systematic arrangement of multiple light sources without increasing overall device complexity, as each plane can be independently configured and assembled. The mirror system similarly segments the light combining function, reflecting light from each plane separately before integrating them.
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 allows for efficient light combination and reduced production costs by preventing light source interference and enabling the use of identical lens array elements, thus maintaining high luminance and compact device size.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror corresponding to the light sources arranged on the first plane and the second plane is provided, in a space defined by the first through the third planes, at such a position that light from the light sources arranged on the third plane may not be interrupted. Light from the light sources arranged on the first plane and the second plane is respectively reflected on the mirror in the same direction as the propagating direction of light from the light sources arranged on the third plane.
Data Source
AI summary
A first light source arrangement pattern is defined by: defining segments opposing to each other and arranged at end positions out of three segments in a first unit and three segments in a second unit, as light source arrangement positions; and defining one of three segments in a third unit, at the same position as the segment defined as the light source arrangement position in the first unit, as a light source arrangement position. A second light source pattern is defined by defining segments out of the segments in the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit, at end positions opposite to the segments defined as the light source arrangement positions in the first light source arrangement pattern, as light source arrangement positions. The first light source arrangement pattern and the second light source arrangement pattern are alternately arranged in the vertical direction.