Opposing Laser Light Source Units with Alternating Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection type image display apparatuses face challenges in synthesizing light beams from opposing laser light source units, leading to reduced light collection efficiency and increased apparatus size due to the need for a large optical system to handle outgoing light beams from multiple units.
Innovation Solution
The illumination apparatus employs first and second laser light source units arranged to oppose each other, with inclined and orthogonal reflecting members that alternate between reflecting and transmitting light beams, allowing for the synthesis of light beams of the same wavelength and increasing output intensity by directing reflected and transmitted beams in the output light direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If laser light source units are arranged two-dimensionally in an array to increase output, then the number of light sources increases, but the apparatus area and optical system size become very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional array arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where light source units are arranged in opposite directions along the optical axis. By using reflecting members to redirect light paths, the system achieves high light density without requiring large lateral area, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth) to resolve the contradiction between output power and apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a compact nested structure where multiple light source units are positioned in opposite directions, and reflecting members are integrated within the apparatus housing to redirect light paths. This nesting approach allows the optical system to be compact while maintaining high light output density, avoiding the need for a large lateral arrangement.
2Quantity of substance
If the optical system is enlarged to handle light beams from multiple laser units, then more light sources can be accommodated, but light collection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the optical system laterally to accommodate more light sources, the patent inverts the approach by arranging light sources in opposite directions along the optical axis and using reflecting members to fold the light paths. This inversion allows multiple light sources to be effectively utilized within a compact space, maintaining high light collection efficiency by directing all beams toward a common output path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflecting members as intermediary elements that redirect light beams from oppositely arranged light source units into a unified output direction. These intermediaries enable efficient light collection from multiple sources without requiring a large lateral optical system, as the reflecting members fold the light paths into a compact configuration.
3Illumination intensity
If light beams from opposing light source units are synthesized, then output intensity increases, but the optical system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct functional segments: light source units arranged in opposite directions, reflecting members positioned at specific locations to redirect beams, and a unified output path. This segmentation allows for modular design and simplifies the synthesis process by handling light beams from opposing sources independently before combining them, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high output intensity.
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 enables higher output intensity of the outgoing light beam compared to prior art, while minimizing the size of the optical system and the entire apparatus, allowing for a more compact and efficient light source arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflecting member which is disposed so as to incline with respect to a plurality of outgoing light beams from the first and second laser light source units and which alternately has, in a juxtaposition direction, a reflecting region reflecting a first outgoing light beam of the plurality of outgoing light beams in a predetermined output light direction and a transmitting region transmitting a second outgoing light beam of the plurality of outgoing light beams
Implementation Method 2
a second reflecting member which is disposed so as to be orthogonal to the first reflecting member and which alternately has, in the juxtaposition direction, a reflecting region reflecting a third outgoing light beam of the plurality of outgoing light beams in the output light direction and a transmitting region transmitting a fourth outgoing light beam of the plurality of outgoing light beams
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus includes first and second laser light source units, each of which is configured by juxtaposing a plurality of laser light sources in an array, and which are provided to oppose each other. The illumination apparatus further includes first and second reflecting members. The second reflecting member has a first gap and is divided into first and second reflecting portions, and the first reflecting member is disposed so as to pass through the first gap. A second outgoing light beam transmitted through a transmitting region of the first reflecting member and a fourth outgoing light beam transmitted through a transmitting region of the second reflecting member are reflected in an output light direction by a reflecting region of the second reflecting member and a reflecting region of the first reflecting member, respectively.