Multidirectional-Plane Lens for Laser Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Projection apparatuses using optical wavelength conversion modules face issues of burning and decreased light conversion efficiency due to the over concentration of beam energy, which existing systems fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

An illumination system is designed with a light source, a first lens element having a curved surface and a multidirectional-plane with sub-planes oriented at different angles, dispersing the light beam energy density across the optical wavelength conversion module, and optionally incorporating light diffusing elements to further uniformize energy distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a phosphor layer is used for wavelength conversion under continuous high-energy laser irradiation, then light conversion function is achieved, but temperature rises causing decreased light conversion efficiency or burning of the phosphor layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight conversion efficiencyVSAvoidphosphor layer temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the phosphor layer into multiple independent phosphor particles dispersed in a transparent resin matrix. This segmentation distributes the concentrated laser energy across numerous discrete particles, preventing localized overheating and burning while maintaining effective wavelength conversion throughout the illumination path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transparent resin as an intermediary medium that embeds and suspends phosphor particles. This resin matrix acts as a thermal management intermediary, distributing heat across its volume and preventing direct thermal concentration on the phosphor particles, thereby enabling continuous high-power operation without burning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If beam energy is concentrated on the optical wavelength conversion module, then conversion efficiency is improved, but burning risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight conversion efficiencyVSAvoidburning risk
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the phosphor conversion material into discrete particles distributed throughout a transparent resin. This segmentation allows the beam energy to be distributed across many small conversion sites rather than concentrating on a single point, maintaining high overall conversion efficiency while eliminating localized burning risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the phosphor material from a continuous layer to dispersed particles within a resin matrix. This parameter change transforms the energy density distribution from highly concentrated to distributed, reducing harmful thermal effects while preserving conversion functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration effectively mitigates the risks of burning and enhances light conversion efficiency by dispersing energy density, resulting in improved performance of the projection apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

The multidirectional-plane is adapted to refract the light beam to different positions of the optical wavelength conversion module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The optical wavelength conversion module converts a first portion of the light beam transmitted from the first lens element into a converted light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3557320B1Projection apparatus and illumination system
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 CORETRONIC CORPORATION
  • EP3557320B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3557320B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3557320B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A projection apparatus and an illumination system are provided. The illumination system includes a light source, a first lens element and an optical wavelength conversion module. The light source emits a light beam. The first lens element is disposed on a transmission path of the light beam from the light source. The first lens element has a curved surface and a multidirectional-plane. The multidirectional-plane and the curved surface are disposed opposite to each other. The multidirectional-plane includes sub-planes facing different directions. The optical wavelength conversion module is disposed on a transmission path of the light beam from the first lens element. The optical wavelength conversion module converts a first portion of the light beam from the first lens element into a converted light beam. The converted light beam and a second portion of the light beam from the first lens element form an illumination beam.