Light Projection Structure with Half-Spindle Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light projection structures face inefficiencies when using light emitting members that are not complete point light sources due to the relationship between the depth of the reflective surface and the position of the light emitting member, leading to suboptimal optical efficiency and increased size of the projection structure.
Innovation Solution
A light projection structure with a reflective member featuring a concave reflective surface shaped as a half-spindle, where the focal point is positioned near the apex, allowing the light emitting member to be mounted directly on the reflective surface, reducing optical losses and enhancing efficiency by projecting light rays close to parallel, thus improving optical efficiency and enabling downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the reflective surface is made shallow with the focal point at the exit, then the device size is reduced, but the optical efficiency deteriorates for light sources with finite size
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface is designed with different curvature characteristics in different regions: a gentle curve in the side surface part and a steep curve in the apex part. This local differentiation allows light rays from various positions on the light emitting member to be reflected at appropriate angles, maintaining optical efficiency while keeping the device compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surface employs a half-spindle shape with specific curvature variations. The gentle curve portion handles light from the main body of the light emitting member, while the steep curve apex part corrects rays from the edges, achieving parallel projection without requiring a large focal distance.
2Ease of operation
If the light emitting member is mounted away from the reflective surface, then the focal point positioning is easier, but additional holding members are required causing optical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting member is mounted directly onto the apex part of the reflective surface, merging the light source positioning function with the reflective structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate holding members and minimizes optical losses at interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member's apex part serves dual purposes: it provides the mounting location for the light emitting member and simultaneously acts as the focal point positioning structure. The reflective surface geometry itself enables precise focal point control without additional components.
3Illumination intensity
If a complete point light source is used, then parallel rays can be projected, but real light sources have finite size causing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the reflective surface are optimized for different light ray angles. The gentle curve side surface handles rays from the central region of the light emitting member, while the steep curve apex part handles rays from the peripheral regions, ensuring all rays converge to form parallel projection despite the source having finite size.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature parameter of the reflective surface is varied spatially, transitioning from gentle curvature in the side surface to steep curvature at the apex. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate light sources with finite size while maintaining the ability to project parallel rays efficiently.
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
The solution significantly enhances optical efficiency for light emitting members of non-point sources by minimizing optical losses and allowing for a more compact design, while maintaining high optical efficiency and effective light projection.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective member has a reflective surface, which is formed as a concave surface such as a paraboloid. The light emitting member is disposed at a focal point of the reflective member and contains a fluorescent material. The fluorescent material is excited so that light is emitted from the light emitting member. The reflective member reflects the light.
Implementation Method 2
The light emitting member is disposed at a focal point of the reflective member and contains a fluorescent material. The fluorescent material is excited so that light is emitted from the light emitting member.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light projection structure (10), including: a reflective member (11) including a reflective surface (11a), the reflective surface (11a) being formed as a concave surface having a focal point (f) positioned near its apex (t); and a light emitting member (12) disposed at the focal point (f) and its vicinity, for emitting light when excited by excitation light.