Monolithic LCD Projector Optical Path Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monolithic LCD projectors face challenges with large size, poor heat radiation, and high reflector coating requirements, leading to inefficient space utilization and image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic LCD projector design incorporating an LED light source, condenser, collimating lens, LCD light valve, field lens, and projection lens with strategically placed reflectors for mirror reflection and radiating air ducts to reduce volume, lower reflector coating requirements, and enhance heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a reflection type monolithic LCD projector is used to reduce length, then the projector volume is reduced, but the reflector coating requirements become extremely high and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional reflection type optical path by using a transmission type LCD light valve instead. Light passes through the LCD light valve rather than reflecting off it, fundamentally changing the optical architecture. This inversion eliminates the need for high-precision reflector coatings while maintaining compact projector volume, as the transmission type design naturally achieves shorter optical path length without requiring complex reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path type from reflection to transmission, which alters the fundamental parameters of light interaction with the LCD light valve. This parameter change allows the system to achieve compact dimensions without imposing stringent coating requirements on reflectors, as transmission type design inherently provides better color uniformity and reduces sensitivity to surface imperfections.
2Ease of manufacture
If transmission type LCD light valve is used, then reflector coating requirements are reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but heat radiation performance becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat dissipation fan as an intermediary component to actively manage thermal conditions. The fan forces air flow through the projector housing, creating forced convection that efficiently removes heat from the transmission type LCD light valve. This intermediary cooling mechanism compensates for the inherently poor heat radiation performance of transmission type light valves, allowing the system to maintain low operating temperatures despite the simplified optical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic cooling by using a heat dissipation fan to drive air flow through the projector. This forced air convection system creates controlled gas flow that actively removes heat from critical components, particularly the transmission type LCD light valve. The pneumatic cooling approach effectively addresses the heat radiation limitation of transmission type design without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
3Device complexity
If direct projection type monolithic LCD projector is used, then optical path is simpler, but projector shape becomes outdated and volume utilization rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorganizes the optical components along the optical axis by positioning the transmission type LCD light valve between the condenser lens and field lens. This dimensional arrangement optimizes the optical path length and allows for compact projector housing design. By carefully selecting component positions along the light propagation direction, the patent achieves both simplified optical structure and improved space utilization, creating a modern projector shape with better volume efficiency.
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 design achieves a smaller volume, reduced manufacturing costs, improved image color uniformity, and extended service life of the LCD light valve, while allowing for a more versatile shape and wider application scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector is disposed between the field lens and the projection lens; and the first reflector conducts mirror reflection along a long axis thereof
Implementation Method 2
a second reflector is disposed between the condenser and the collimating lens, and the second reflector conducts mirror reflection along a long axis thereof
Implementation Method 3
radiating air ducts are formed in a spatial clearance between the collimating lens and the LCD light valve and a spatial clearance between the LCD light valve and the field lens; air inlets of the radiating air ducts are positioned on a long side of the LCD light valve; and air outlets are positioned on another long side of the LCD light valve
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithic liquid crystal display (LCD) projector includes a light emitting diode (LED) light source, a condenser, a collimating lens, an LCD light valve, a field lens and a projection lens. The LCD light valve is disposed between the collimating lens and the field lens. The condenser is disposed between the LED light source and the collimating lens. The projection lens is disposed behind the field lens. A first reflector is disposed between the field lens and the projection lens. The first reflector conducts mirror reflection along a long axis thereof. The present disclosure has the characteristics of small volume, novel shape, good color uniformity of the image, good radiating performance and long service life.