Monolithic Light-Combining Lens for Laser Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-combining assemblies have inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to large volume and varying refractive indices, affecting the light-combining process.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece light-combining lens with refractive index differences less than 0.2, featuring collimation and reflection surfaces that guide light through a unified path, integrated with a laser module for improved efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light-combining assembly with multiple optical members spaced apart is used, then light combination can be achieved, but the volume is large and refractive index variations affect efficiency and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical members (collimation lenses and reflection surfaces) into a single integrated light-combining lens structure. The lens includes a front portion with first and second collimation lenses, an expanding portion with third collimation lens, and a rear portion with fourth collimation lens, all integrated into one piece with uniform refractive index to eliminate air gaps and reduce volume while maintaining light-combining function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a homogeneous material with uniform refractive index for the entire light-combining lens structure. This eliminates the refractive index variations that occur at interfaces between different optical members in conventional assemblies, thereby improving light-combining efficiency and accuracy while reducing the number of interfaces and overall volume
2Reliability
If conventional light-combining assembly with air between optical members is used, then assembly is easier to manufacture, but light-combining efficiency and accuracy are affected due to different refractive indices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical members into a single monolithic lens structure that is molded as one piece. This eliminates the need for precise assembly of multiple separate components and alignment of interfaces, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring uniform refractive index throughout the light path to improve light-combining efficiency and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the optical system from a multi-component assembly with air gaps to a single monolithic structure with uniform material properties. This parameter change eliminates refractive index variations at interfaces and simplifies manufacturing by allowing the entire lens to be molded in one process
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 enhances the efficiency and accuracy of the light-combining process while reducing the overall volume of the lens, enabling miniaturization of the laser module.
Implementation Method 1
The front collimation surface defines a front collimation path inside of the front portion
Implementation Method 2
The front reflection surface is located at the front collimation path. The front collimation path and the front reflection surface have an acute angle therebetween and jointly define a front reflection path
Implementation Method 3
The three laser emitters are configured to respectively emit lights traveling along the front collimation path, the expanding collimation path, the rear collimation path, and the light-combining path
Data Source
AI summary
A laser projecting device and a light-combining lens are provided. The light-combining lens is a one-piece structure, and has a difference of refractive indexes less than 0.2. The light-combining lens includes collimation surfaces, reflection surfaces, and a light emergent surface. Each collimation surface defines a collimation path inside the light-combining lens. The reflection surfaces respectively located at the collimation paths are parallel to each other and arranged along an arrangement direction. The light emergent surface is located at the arrangement direction. Each reflection surface and the corresponding collimation path have an acute angle therebetween to define a reflection path. The reflection paths are overlapped in the light-combining lens to define a light-combining path. The light combining path passes through at least one of the reflection surfaces that allows light to pass therethrough along the light-combining path, and passes through the light-combining lens from the light emergent surface.