Multi-Laser Projection Device Collimator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high production costs of multi-laser projection devices are primarily due to the need for individual active adjustments of multiple optical components during assembly, which is complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
The production process is simplified by reducing the number of adjustment steps, where only the first collimator lens associated with each laser diode needs to be actively adjusted, and the assembly of collimator lenses is mechanically connected to the beam combiner, allowing for passive or active adjustment, and the second collimator lenses are either glued or formed into a single functional block for space-saving and cost-effective assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all collimator lenses are individually actively adjusted during assembly, then beam quality and optical precision are improved, but production cost and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collimation system into two functional groups: first collimator lenses that are actively adjusted for precision beam formation, and second collimator lenses that are passively positioned through mechanical connection to the beam combiner. This segmentation allows critical optical components to receive active adjustment while less critical components use simpler passive positioning, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining beam quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second collimator lenses are pre-positioned by mechanical connection to the beam combiner housing before final assembly. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for active adjustment during the assembly process, reducing both time and complexity while ensuring proper optical alignment is achieved through the mechanical design itself.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete optical components are individually adjusted and fixed, then optical performance is optimized, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the second collimator lenses with the beam combiner housing through mechanical connection, creating an integrated assembly. This merging reduces the number of independent adjustment steps required during assembly, as the second collimator lenses are positioned as part of the housing structure rather than as separate adjustable components, thereby improving production efficiency while maintaining optical performance.
3Measurement precision
If all optical components are actively adjusted during assembly, then beam superposition precision is improved, but the number of adjustment steps and production expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment process is segmented into two stages: active adjustment of first collimator lenses for beam formation precision, and passive mechanical positioning of second collimator lenses through housing connection. This segmentation reduces the total number of active adjustment steps required, decreasing assembly time while maintaining sufficient beam superposition precision through the mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection between the beam combiner housing and second collimator lenses provides self-positioning functionality. The housing structure itself serves as the positioning mechanism, eliminating the need for external active adjustment devices and reducing assembly time while ensuring proper alignment through the mechanical interface.
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 approach significantly reduces production costs and complexity by minimizing the number of adjustment steps and enabling flexible, cost-effective assembly of multi-laser projection devices with improved beam quality.
Implementation Method 1
The divergent light emitted from laser diodes LD1, LD2, LD3 is collimated by a respective discrete first collimator lens 1, 2, 3 along a first collimation axis
Implementation Method 2
is subsequently collimated, using a respective second discrete collimator lens 4, 5, 6, in a second collimation axis situated perpendicular to the first collimation axis
Implementation Method 3
The light collimated in this way of laser diodes LD1, LD2, LD3 then passes through an entry surface E into a beam combiner 7, where it is precisely superposed
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-laser projection device includes: a plurality of first assemblies, each including a fixed assemblage of a respective laser diode and an associated first collimator lens; a second assembly that forms a fixed assemblage of a beam combiner and a respective second collimator lens that is fastened on an entry surface of the beam combiner and that appertains to a respective laser diode; and a deflection unit. The plurality of first assemblies, the second assembly, and the deflection unit are mounted in a common housing so as to be adjusted to one another.