Light Source Device Optical Path Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projector light-source devices using high-brightness ultrahigh-pressure mercury lamps have short lifespans and require frequent maintenance, while laser and LED sources offer longer lifespans but face efficiency issues due to non-uniform light distribution and potential damage from high light condensing density.
Innovation Solution
A light-source device configuration that includes an excitation light source, a dichroic mirror with a reflecting surface, and a wavelength converter, where the center of the excitation light's projection image does not intersect with the light flux from the wavelength converter, preventing damage and reducing the need for phase-contrast plates and polarization splitters, thus enhancing reliability and reducing device size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-brightness ultrahigh-pressure mercury lamps are used for the light source, then high illumination intensity is achieved, but the product life becomes short and frequent maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional high-pressure mercury lamps to laser diodes operating at different wavelengths (405nm, 450nm, 532nm), fundamentally changing the light source parameters to achieve both high brightness and extended product life exceeding 20,000 hours
2Duration of action of stationary object
If laser sources are used to generate red, green, and blue light, then product life is extended, but emission efficiency decreases due to lower efficiency of green and red lasers compared to blue lasers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorescent materials as intermediary substances that convert blue laser light (450nm) into green and red light wavelengths, thereby avoiding the use of less efficient green and red laser sources while maintaining long product life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light generation approach by using wavelength conversion through fluorescent materials with specific emission characteristics, achieving high emission efficiency while extending product life
3Use of energy by moving object
If excitation light is condensed and emitted to the fluorescent material, then wavelength conversion is achieved, but efficiency degradation and changes occur due to burnout or temperature rise from high light condensing density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluorescent material into multiple separate sheets (first fluorescent sheet for green light, second fluorescent sheet for red light) rather than using a single concentrated phosphor layer, which distributes the light condensing density and prevents localized overheating and burnout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar phosphor wheel configuration to a multi-layer sheet structure with specific optical path arrangements, adding spatial dimensionality to distribute light energy and prevent concentration at single points
4Reliability
If a phosphor wheel is rotated to prevent concentration of excitation light, then localized damage is avoided, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rotating phosphor wheel mechanism entirely, replacing it with stationary fluorescent sheets arranged in a specific optical configuration that achieves the same protective function without mechanical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical arrangement using multiple fluorescent sheets and mirrors, substituting mechanical motion with optical path design to achieve light distribution and prevent concentration
5Reliability
If phase-contrast plates and polarization splitters are used to manage light paths, then optical interference is controlled, but device size and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes phase-contrast plates and polarization splitters from the optical system, achieving optical path control through the inherent properties of the laser sources and fluorescent material arrangements without requiring additional optical 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 configuration increases the reliability and reduces the size and production cost of the light-source device by preventing light condensing density issues and eliminating the need for certain optical elements, while maintaining efficient light distribution for image projection.
Implementation Method 1
The wavelength conversion member is configured to convert at least part of the first color light into second color light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first color light and emit the second color light
Data Source
AI summary
A light-source device includes an excitation light source, an optical member, and a wavelength converter. The excitation light source is configured to emit first color light. The optical member has a reflecting surface configured to reflect the first color light emitted from the excitation light source. The wavelength converter includes a wavelength conversion member on which the first color light reflected by the optical member is incident. The wavelength conversion member is configured to convert at least part of the first color light into second color light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first color light and emit the second color light. A center of the first color light on the reflecting surface of the optical member does not intersect with a light flux of the first color light emitted from the wavelength converter.