Light Source Switching Device Using Phase Switching for Projection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED light source structures in projection systems face challenges such as discontinuous light flux, slow light source switching speed, bulky volume, and complex element configuration, limiting brightness improvement and increasing the system's size.
Innovation Solution
A light source switching device comprising a first and second light guiding device and phase switching devices that alternate the polarization state of light, allowing for efficient switching between light sources without a mirror wheel, enabling continuous light flux and faster switching speeds while reducing system size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mirror wheel with reflective and transmissive sectors is used to switch between LED modules, then light source switching is achieved, but border regions are formed causing light loss and flux degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the mirror wheel component from the system, replacing it with a direct optical switching mechanism using LED modules positioned at different locations that can be selectively activated without mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating border regions and associated light loss
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical mirror wheel switching system is replaced with an electrical/optical switching system where LED modules are selectively activated through electrical control, substituting mechanical motion with electrical signal-based switching to eliminate physical borders and improve switching speed
2Adaptability or versatility
If LED modules are positioned fixedly with a mirror wheel, then light switching is possible, but the system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror wheel is extracted and removed from the system, simplifying the overall structure by eliminating the mechanical switching component while maintaining light source switching capability through direct electrical control of LED modules
Solution Approach 2:
The LED modules are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as both light sources and switching elements, with each module capable of being independently activated to provide different light outputs, eliminating the need for separate mechanical switching components
3Loss of energy
If the mirror wheel rotates to avoid border regions, then light loss is reduced, but the switching response becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical rotation of the mirror wheel is replaced with electrical switching of LED modules, allowing instantaneous activation and deactivation of light sources without mechanical motion, thereby achieving both minimal light loss and fast switching response
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple LED modules are pre-positioned at different locations with different viewing angles, allowing the system to instantly switch between light sources by simply changing which module is electrically activated, without requiring any mechanical movement or rotation during switching
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 provides a more continuous light flux, faster light source switching, and improved brightness without increasing the system's volume or etendue, using phase switching devices to manage light polarization and emission, resulting in a simpler and more efficient projection system design.
Implementation Method 1
phase switching devices that alternate the polarization state of light
Implementation Method 2
the first light travels into the first light guiding device through the first incident surface, the phase switching device is capable of being in the first status thereof such that the first light is adapted to emit out from the outlet surface after traveling through the phase switching device and the second light guiding device
Data Source
AI summary
A light source switching device for use in a projection system is provided. The light source switching device comprises at least two light guiding devices and at least one phase switching device. The phase switching device is disposed between the two light guiding devices and adapted to be in one of a first status and a second status. When the first light travels into the light source switching device, the phase switching device is capable of being in the first status such that the first light is adapted to emit out from the outlet surface. When the second light travels into the light source switching device, the phase switching device is capable of being in the second status such that the second light is adapted to emit out from the outlet surface. With the switching operation of the phase switching device, the plural lights provided by plural light sources would be selected and uniformized by the light source switching device.