Non-intersecting Dichroic Films for LED Illumination Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Projection apparatuses using LEDs as light sources suffer from light loss and inefficient space utilization due to the intersecting region of dichroic mirrors, which affects light guidance and increases the bulkiness of the device.

Innovation Solution

The use of non-intersecting dichroic films in conjunction with LEDs to guide light beams, ensuring higher light utilization efficiency and improved space utilization by controlling the reflecting angles of different colored light beams within a single chip package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an X-mirror with intersecting dichroic mirrors is used to combine light beams, then the light beams of different colors can be guided to the same direction, but light loss occurs at the intersecting region and the device becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight guidance capabilityVSAvoidlight loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional intersecting mirror configuration to a three-dimensional non-intersecting arrangement where dichroic films are positioned at different spatial locations and angles. This dimensional change eliminates the intersecting region problem while maintaining light beam combination functionality, thereby reducing light loss without increasing device footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the light combination function into multiple separate dichroic film components positioned at different locations rather than using a single intersecting X-mirror structure. Each dichroic film handles specific wavelength ranges independently, eliminating the need for an intersecting region and reducing light loss while maintaining compact positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If an X-mirror with intersecting dichroic mirrors is used to combine light beams, then the light beams of different colors can be guided to the same direction, but the device size increases and space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight guidance capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs three-dimensional spatial arrangement of dichroic films at different positions and orientations, allowing light beams to be combined without requiring a large intersecting region. This enables compact device design with improved space utilization while maintaining effective light guidance functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple dichroic film components into a compact nested arrangement where each film is positioned within the optical path of the others without intersection. This nested configuration allows efficient space utilization and reduces overall device volume while maintaining light beam combination capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If the cemented region of dichroic mirrors is enlarged to accommodate LED beam areas, then all light beams can be guided, but light loss with greater proportion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight beam guidance completenessVSAvoidlight loss proportion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic intersecting region from the design by positioning dichroic films at non-intersecting locations. Each film is sized appropriately for its specific function without requiring an enlarged cemented region, thereby guiding all necessary light beams while minimizing light loss proportion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different dichroic film components with specific optical properties at different locations in the optical path. Each film is optimized for its local function of reflecting or transmitting specific wavelength ranges, eliminating the need for enlarged intersecting regions and reducing overall light loss while maintaining complete light beam guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances light utilization efficiency and reduces the size of the projection apparatus by eliminating light loss at intersecting regions and optimizing the direction of light beam incidence, leading to a more compact and efficient illumination system.

Implementation Method 1

The first dichroic film is disposed in the transmission paths of the first light beam and the second light beam. The second dichroic film is disposed in the transmission paths of the first light beam, the second light beam, and the third light beam.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDichroic reflection and transmission: Dichroic Filter

Data Source

PatentUS8220935B2Illumination system and projection apparatus
Publication Date: 2012.07.17 YOUNG OPTICS
  • US8220935B2 patent drawing
  • US8220935B2 patent drawing
  • US8220935B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An illumination system including a first light emitting chip, a chip package, a first dichroic film, and a second dichroic film is provided. The first light emitting chip emits a first light beam. The chip package includes a second light emitting chip and a third light emitting chip. The second light emitting chip emits a second light beam. The third light emitting chip emits a third light beam. The colors of the first, second, and third light beams are different from each other. The first dichroic film is disposed in the transmission paths of the first and second light beams. The second dichroic film is disposed in the transmission paths of the first, second, and third light beams. The first and second dichroic films are not parallel to and do not intersect each other. Besides, a projection apparatus employing the illumination system and another projection apparatus are provided.