Light Source Module Buffer Element for Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In projection apparatuses, the non-uniform light spot caused by optical axis tilting of laser diodes in light source modules leads to deteriorated image quality due to uneven pressure distribution and heat dissipation inefficiencies among light emitting elements.
Innovation Solution
A light source module design featuring a substrate with accommodation grooves for light emitting elements, a buffer element pressed against the edges of these elements, and a cover plate that indirectly applies uniform pressure through the buffer element, preventing optical axis tilting and ensuring even light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple laser diodes are arranged in an array to form a light source module, then the energy of the excitation beam is increased, but the optical axis tilting of individual laser diodes causes non-uniform light spot and deteriorated image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength conversion element as an intermediary between the laser diodes and the final light output. This element converts the blue light from laser diodes to yellow light, and through selective absorption and re-emission, produces green light. This intermediary approach allows the use of inexpensive blue laser diodes while achieving the desired green light output with uniform characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light through the wavelength conversion element. By converting blue light (450nm) to yellow light (560nm) and then to green light (532nm), the system achieves the desired optical properties without requiring expensive green laser diodes, while maintaining uniform light spot characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If blue laser diodes are used as light sources to reduce costs, then the cost is reduced, but the wavelength conversion element is required to convert excitation beam into other colored light
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength conversion element serves as a mediator that enables the use of inexpensive blue laser diodes to produce green light. The element absorbs blue photons and re-emits green photons, effectively translating the inexpensive blue light source into the desired green output without requiring expensive green laser diodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of expensive green laser diodes with a simpler system of blue laser diodes plus wavelength conversion material. This substitution achieves the same functional outcome (green light output) with lower cost and simpler manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical axes of laser diodes are required to be substantially parallel, then the light spot uniformity is improved, but the optical axis tilting problem persists in prior art
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength conversion element acts as a mediator that uniformizes the light output from multiple laser diodes. Even if individual laser diodes have slight optical axis variations, the wavelength conversion material distributes and re-emits the light uniformly, producing a consistent green light spot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneity in the final light output through the wavelength conversion element. The material distributes the energy from multiple laser diodes uniformly and re-emits it as consistent green light, eliminating the non-uniformity caused by optical axis variations in individual diodes.
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 enhances light spot uniformity and improves image quality by maintaining consistent pressure and heat dissipation across light emitting elements, thereby stabilizing the optical axes and luminous efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the buffer element is pressed between the bottom portions of the light emitting elements and the cover plate
Implementation Method 2
The wavelength conversion element is generally arranged on a transmission path of an excitation beam provided by the light source to convert the excitation beam (e.g., blue excitation beam) into other colored light (e.g., yellow light and green light)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a light source module including a substrate, a plurality of light emitting elements, a buffer element, and a cover plate. The substrate has a plurality of accommodation grooves. The light emitting elements are respectively disposed in the accommodation grooves. Each light emitting element has a light emitting portion and a bottom portion connected to each other. The light emitting portion is located on the bottom portion, and the bottom portion has an edge. The buffer element is pressed against the edges of the bottom portions of the light emitting elements. The cover plate is combined with the substrate and is pressed against the buffer element. The cover plate has a plurality of first openings. These first openings respectively expose the light emitting elements. The invention also provides a projection apparatus has above-mentioned light source module.