Light Combining Prism Illumination System for Compact Laser Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser projection devices face challenges in reducing the volume of their light combining systems and achieving color uniformity in projected images due to the need for a light path loop framework and poor light distribution.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system incorporating a light combining prism that directs the exciting light beam and wavelength-converted light beams through a similar path, eliminating the need for additional light path loops and ensuring uniform illumination, while dispersing energy density to enhance optical element tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a light path loop framework is used to couple laser light through phosphor wheels and mirrors, then color light generation is achieved, but the volume of the light combining system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blue light path and yellow light path into a single integrated optical system using a light combining prism. The blue laser light and yellow converted light are combined within the same physical space through the prism, eliminating the need for separate light path loops and reducing overall system volume while maintaining efficient light utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spatial dimensionality within the light combining prism to separate and combine different wavelength light paths. By utilizing different propagation directions and angles within the prism, the system accommodates multiple light paths in three-dimensional space without requiring additional external loop frameworks, thus reducing system volume.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical elements are used with separate light paths for blue and yellow light, then color light output is achieved, but color uniformity of the projected image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines blue and yellow light paths within a single light combining prism, ensuring that both wavelengths follow similar optical paths through the integration rod and projection lens. This merged configuration ensures uniform mixing and distribution of colors across the projected image, achieving excellent color uniformity while simplifying the overall optical configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical components are used for different wavelengths, then wavelength conversion is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light combining prism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates blue laser light from yellow converted light, combines both wavelengths into a unified optical path, and directs the composite light through the projection system. This multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate optical elements, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining full wavelength conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (separation, combination, and direction control) into a single light combining prism structure. This integration reduces the total number of discrete optical components needed in the system, simplifying the device while preserving the ability to handle multiple wavelengths effectively.
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 a compact system design with improved image quality by ensuring uniform illumination and increased reliability through the dispersion of light paths within the prism, eliminating the need for additional light path loops and enhancing the tolerance of optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
The light combining prism is located on a transmission path of the exciting light beam, and has a first surface, a second surface and a third surface. The exciting light beam enters the light combining prism through the first surface, and is totally reflected by the second surface
Implementation Method 2
a laser light beam provided by the laser light source and passing through the optical elements passes through a phosphor wheel and a filter wheel to output a color light in timing
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system and a projection device are provided. The illumination system includes an excitation light source, a wavelength conversion module and a light combining prism. The excitation light source emits an exciting light beam. The light combining prism has a first, second, and third surfaces. The exciting light beam enters the light combining prism through the first surface, and is totally reflected by the second surface to leave the light combining prism through the third surface and is transmitted to the wavelength conversion module. The exciting light beam is converted into a wavelength converted light beam by a wavelength conversion region of the wavelength conversion module or reflected by a reflecting region of the wavelength conversion module at different timings, and the wavelength converted light beam or the exciting light beam sequentially penetrates through the third surface and the second surface to leave the light combining prism.