Optical Module With External Mirror Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical modules face challenges in durability and size increase due to the placement of optical components within a protective member, which complicates the arrangement of optical paths and increases the module's size.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design includes a light emitting unit with a filter to multiplex light beams from semiconductor elements, a mirror mechanism outside the protective member to reflect light, and a scanning unit inside, which prevents size increase while enhancing durability by integrating the mirror mechanism with the protective member and using a protective member to shield components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical components are placed inside the protective member, then durability is improved, but the module size increases and optical path arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is divided into two distinct regions: components requiring protection (light emitting unit with semiconductor elements and filter) are placed inside the protective member, while components less sensitive to environmental factors (mirror mechanism) are placed outside. This segmentation allows durability-critical components to be protected without unnecessarily increasing overall module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is designed to extend outside the protective member by placing the mirror mechanism externally. Light from the internal light emitting unit passes through a window in the protective member to reach the external mirror, which then reflects light back to the internal scanning unit. This dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization and simplifies optical path configuration.
2Reliability
If optical components are placed inside the protective member, then durability is improved, but the optical path arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into two segments: an internal segment within the protective member (from light emitting unit to window) and an external segment outside the protective member (from window through mirror to scanning unit). This segmentation simplifies the optical path arrangement by allowing the external mirror to redirect light without requiring complex internal optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The window in the protective member acts as an intermediary element that allows light to pass between the internal and external optical paths. This simple intermediary structure enables the optical path to extend outside the protective member without requiring complex coupling mechanisms or additional optical components.
3Volume of stationary object
If the mirror mechanism is integrated with the protective member and placed outside, then module size is prevented from increasing, but component protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into protected components (light emitting unit, filter, scanning unit) inside the protective member and unprotected components (mirror mechanism) outside. This segmentation protects only the components that require protection from environmental factors, while allowing the mirror mechanism to be externally integrated for space optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different protection requirements. The light emitting unit and scanning unit are placed inside the protective member for protection, while the mirror mechanism is placed outside where it does not require the same level of protection. This local differentiation of protection quality optimizes both durability and size.
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 design improves the durability of the optical module by protecting components and allowing for compact optical path arrangements, preventing stray light and maintaining module size while ensuring effective light scanning and emission.
Implementation Method 1
a filter that multiplexes light beams from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements
Implementation Method 2
a mirror mechanism configured to reflect the light generated by the light emitting unit
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes: a light emitting unit configured to generate light; a mirror mechanism configured to reflect the light generated by the light emitting unit; and a scanning unit configured to scan the light reflected from the mirror mechanism. The light emitting unit includes: a light forming unit including a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements and a filter that multiplexes light beams from the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements; and a protective member disposed so as to surround the light forming unit. The mirror mechanism is disposed outside the protective member and integrated with the protective member, and the scanning unit is disposed in a region surrounded by the protective member.