Light Source Device Segmentation for Polarization Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector technologies face challenges in reducing the size of the light source device due to the difficulty in manufacturing narrow-pitch polarization conversion elements, which are necessary for uniform polarization of light beams, leading to limitations in miniaturizing the projector.
Innovation Solution
A light source device configuration that includes a light source section, first and second light separation elements, a diffusion element, and a wavelength conversion element, which emit linearly polarized colored light beams without requiring a narrow-pitch polarization conversion element, achieving uniform polarization and spatial separation of light beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polarization conversion element with narrow pitch is used to achieve uniform polarization of light beams, then the polarization uniformity is improved, but the device size reduction is hindered due to manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light beam path into multiple segments, using separate polarization conversion units for different wavelength bands (red, green, blue). Each unit handles a specific portion of the spectrum, allowing for larger, more manufacturable pitch dimensions while achieving overall uniform polarization across all beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength separation elements as intermediaries between the light source and polarization conversion elements. By separating light into different wavelength bands first, each polarization conversion element can be optimized for its specific band with larger pitch, avoiding the need for a single narrow-pitch element handling all wavelengths
2Reliability
If a polarization conversion element with narrow pitch is used to achieve uniform polarization, then the polarization uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into wavelength-specific modules, where each polarization conversion unit is designed for a particular wavelength band. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity by allowing independent optimization and manufacturing of each segment rather than designing a single complex narrow-pitch element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the design space by separating light into different spectral bands. This allows polarization conversion to be handled in parallel across multiple wavelength channels, each with relaxed pitch requirements, rather than attempting single-channel conversion with narrow pitch
3Volume of moving object
If the projector size is reduced by removing narrow-pitch polarization conversion elements, then the device size is improved, but the polarization uniformity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the polarization conversion function across multiple wavelength-specific units with larger pitch, the overall device size is reduced while maintaining polarization uniformity. Each segment handles a portion of the spectrum, and the combined output achieves uniform polarization across all beams without requiring narrow pitch
4Reliability
If narrow-pitch polarization conversion elements are used, then the polarization uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polarization conversion function into multiple wavelength-specific units, each with larger, more manufacturable pitch. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for each segment, avoiding the high cost and difficulty associated with manufacturing narrow-pitch elements
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 allows for the reduction in size of the light source device and projector while maintaining uniform polarization of light beams, enhancing luminance and efficiency by eliminating the need for narrow-pitch polarization conversion elements.
Implementation Method 1
a first light separation element configured to transmit a part of the first light which enters the first light separation element along a first direction from the light source section, toward the first direction irrespective of a polarization component, and reflect another part of the first light toward a second direction crossing the first direction irrespective of a polarization component
Implementation Method 2
the second light separation element transmits a first polarization component toward the third direction with respect to the second light, and reflects a second polarization component of the second light toward a fourth direction as an opposite direction to the first direction
Implementation Method 3
a diffusion element disposed at the second direction side of the first light separation element, and configured to diffuse and then emit another part of the first light which enters the diffusion element along the second direction from the first light separation element, toward a third direction as an opposite direction to the second direction
Implementation Method 4
a wavelength conversion element disposed at the second direction side of the second light separation element, and configured to perform wavelength conversion on a part of the first light which enters the wavelength conversion element along the second direction from the second light separation element, to emit second light having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band toward the third direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device according to the present disclosure includes a light source section, a first light separation element for transmitting a part of first light entering the first light separation element irrespective of a polarization component, and reflecting another part of the first light irrespective of a polarization component, a second light separation element for reflecting a part of the first light entering the second light separation element, a diffusion element for diffusing and emitting another part of the first light entering the diffusion element, and a wavelength conversion element for performing wavelength conversion on a part of the first light entering the wavelength conversion element to emit second light, wherein the second light separation element transmits a first polarization component with respect to the second light, and reflects a second polarization component.