Modular LED Illumination System with Polarization Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video display and projection systems employing arc lamps face issues with insufficient power, short lamp lifetime, frequent replacements, system size due to optical devices, and environmental concerns from mercury, leading to operational failures and cumbersome maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple pulsed light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a lenslet assembly to generate and efficiently convey RGB light, replacing arc lamps and reducing the need for extensive optical components, allowing for modular design and continued operation even with non-functional LEDs, and incorporating polarization recovery modules for uniform light polarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If arc lamps are used as illumination source, then high power illumination is provided, but the lamp lifetime is short and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single arc lamp illumination source into multiple LED modules, each capable of independent operation. This allows the system to maintain high power illumination through multiple lower-power LEDs while extending overall system lifetime, as individual LEDs have much longer operational lives and can be replaced independently without replacing the entire illumination system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple inexpensive LED modules that can be easily replaced compared to expensive arc lamps. While individual LEDs have long lifetimes, the modular design allows for easy replacement of failed units, and the lower cost of individual LED modules reduces the impact of replacement operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple imagers are used in the system, then image quality is improved, but the system becomes non-operational when the single lamp malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into multiple independent LED modules, each corresponding to or supporting specific imagers. This segmentation ensures that if one LED module fails, only the associated imager or subset of imagers is affected, while other imagers continue to operate, thereby maintaining partial system functionality and improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination source parameters from a single high-intensity arc lamp to multiple lower-intensity LED modules. This parameter change enables independent control and operation of each module, allowing the system to maintain operation with reduced illumination from functional modules even when some modules fail, thus improving reliability while supporting multiple imagers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical devices are used to disperse and recombine light, then color image generation is achieved, but the system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple LED modules with integrated optics into a compact illumination system. By combining LED light sources with closely integrated optical elements for color separation and recombination, the system achieves color image generation capability while minimizing the overall volume required for optical devices compared to traditional arc lamp systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where optical elements are integrated within or adjacent to the LED modules themselves. This nesting of optical functions within the illumination source structure eliminates the need for separate, space-consuming optical device assemblies, thereby achieving color image generation in a compact form factor.
4Power
If arc lamps containing mercury are used, then high power illumination is achieved, but environmental harm is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mercury-containing arc lamps with multiple mercury-free LED modules. LEDs contain no hazardous mercury and are environmentally friendly, eliminating the environmental harm associated with arc lamp disposal while providing sufficient illumination power through the combined output of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the illumination source from arc discharge technology containing mercury to LED technology that is inherently mercury-free. This parameter change in the illumination mechanism eliminates the source of environmental contamination while maintaining or improving illumination performance through multiple LED modules.
5Power
If arc lamps are used for high power illumination, then illumination requirements are met, but replacement requires major disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into multiple independently replaceable LED modules, each accessible and replaceable without major disassembly. This contrasts with integrated arc lamp assemblies that require extensive disassembly for replacement. The modular LED modules can be quickly swapped, dramatically improving ease of repair while maintaining high power illumination through the combined output of multiple modules.
6Device complexity
If single illumination system is used, then system complexity is reduced, but power insufficiency occurs for high-power display systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LED modules into a unified illumination system that delivers high total power output. By combining the output of multiple individual LED modules, the system achieves the high illumination power required for high-power display systems while maintaining relatively simple modular architecture that is easier to manage and replace than a single complex high-power source.
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 solution provides efficient, high-intensity illumination with longer LED lifetimes, reduces system size, enables continued operation with faulty LEDs, and minimizes environmental impact, while maintaining image quality and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
with a lenslet assembly to generate and efficiently convey RGB light
Implementation Method 2
incorporating polarization recovery modules for uniform light polarization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an illumination system. The illumination system comprises a plurality of modules comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) adapted to emit light signals. The illumination system further comprises a plurality of polarizing elements disposed subsequent to the LEDs. Each of polarizing elements is adapted to render a unique polarization to the light signals emitted by a respectively corresponding one of the modules. Further, the illumination system comprises a polarization converting element disposed subsequent to the plurality polarizing elements. The polarization converting element is adapted to uniformly polarize all of the light signals emitted by the plurality of modules.