Light Source Module Dichroic Unit Blue Light Recycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light source modules in projectors waste a portion of blue light during transmission and conversion, leading to reduced utilization efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A light source module comprising a dichroic unit, a color wheel, and a wavelength conversion unit that splits and recycles blue light by reflecting a portion as a second illumination light for conversion, increasing the utilization rate by providing converted light to the color wheel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If blue light is converted to other color light using conventional methods, then color change is achieved, but a portion of blue light is wasted during transmission and conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblue light utilizationVSAvoidoptical path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical path is segmented into multiple channels: a first optical path for blue light transmission and a second optical path for recycled blue light. The dichroic mirror divides the blue light from the light source into two separate paths, allowing independent processing and recycling of blue light without affecting the main optical path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wavelength conversion unit and color wheel are nested within the optical system such that the second illumination light (recycled blue light) passes through the wavelength conversion unit and then reaches the color wheel, which is already positioned in the first optical path. This nested arrangement allows efficient use of space and optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If blue light is recycled and converted, then light utilization rate increases, but the optical path becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight utilization rateVSAvoidoptical path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dichroic mirror serves multiple functions: it reflects blue light to the wavelength conversion unit for recycling, while also allowing other wavelengths to pass through to the color wheel. The color wheel itself functions both in the primary optical path and receives recycled blue light, making it a multi-functional component that handles both direct and recycled light paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If conventional light conversion is used, then color output is achieved, but light efficiency is reduced due to wasted blue light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight efficiencyVSAvoidoptical path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelength conversion unit acts as an intermediary between the recycled blue light and the color wheel. It converts the blue light to other wavelengths that can be effectively utilized by the color wheel, mediating the interaction between the recycled light and the color separation components to improve overall light efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively recycles reflected light, increasing the amount of converted light projected to the color wheel, thereby enhancing the utilization rate of light and filtering more red and green light, thus improving overall light efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The dichroic unit is opposite to the light source and configured to reflect a portion of the first light as a first illumination light in a first direction and reflect a portion of the first light as a second illumination light in a second direction inverse to the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The wavelength conversion unit is opposite to the color wheel and the dichroic unit and configured to at least receive the second illumination light and provide a converted light to the color wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 3

The color wheel is opposite to the dichroic unit and configured to at least receive the first illumination light. The color wheel has a blue filter area, a green filter area and a red filter area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS11619366B2Light source module

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 QISDA CORP

AI summary

A light source module includes a light source, a dichroic unit, a color wheel and a wavelength conversion unit. The light source is configured to emit a light. The dichroic unit is opposite to the light source and configured to reflect a portion of the light as a first illumination light in a first direction and reflect a portion of the light as a second illumination light in a second direction inverse to the first direction. The color wheel is opposite to the dichroic unit and configured to at least receive the first illumination light. The color wheel has a blue filter area, a green filter area and a red filter area. The wavelength conversion unit is opposite to the color wheel and the dichroic unit and configured to at least receive the second illumination light and provide a converted light to the color wheel.