Optical Multiplexing Apparatus Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical multiplexing systems require larger optical systems as the number of light source units increases, limiting flexibility and efficiency in brightness adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An optical multiplexing apparatus with a light source section emitting collimated beams, a first lens portion focusing beams at different angles, and a second lens portion forming an optical reduction system, allowing for compact design and easy adjustment of light source units without increasing the optical system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the number of light source units is increased to achieve higher brightness, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the optical system size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple identical optical units, each handling one light source unit. This modular segmentation allows independent optimization of each unit and enables scalable brightness increase without proportionally increasing the overall system footprint, as multiple units can be arranged in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical units are nested or closely integrated within a shared housing structure, with common components (such as the diffusing plate, projection lens, and control circuitry) serving multiple light source units simultaneously. This nesting approach allows the optical system to accommodate multiple light sources while maintaining a compact overall size.
2Power
If the number of light source units is increased to achieve higher brightness, then the power is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple light source units through a single control interface. The circuit can selectively control individual units or operate them in combination, providing multi-functional control capabilities that reduce the need for separate control systems for each light source, thereby managing device complexity while supporting high power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical units are merged into a single integrated optical system with shared components and unified control. This merging approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into one cohesive unit, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the power output benefits of multiple light sources.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical system size is reduced to improve compactness, then the volume is improved, but the ability to process multiplexed light from multiple sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple identical modular units, each capable of independently processing light from one light source. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compact dimensions while preserving multiplexing capability, as each module handles one channel and the modules can be tightly integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical units are arranged in a two-dimensional array configuration rather than a linear arrangement, allowing the system to process multiple light sources while maintaining a compact footprint. This dimensional reorganization enables efficient space utilization and preserves multiplexing capability within a reduced volume.
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
Enables efficient multiplexing of light beams with reduced beam diameter, maintaining high brightness and flexibility in adjusting the number of light source units, thus avoiding the need for larger optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens portion which focuses the incident collimated beams at different incident angles from each other to define convergent positions
Implementation Method 2
a second lens portion which has focal points that correspond to the convergent positions, respectively, wherein the first and second lens portions form an optical reduction system
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical multiplexing apparatus and a projector that keep an optical system small, and easily adjust a number of light source units. The optical multiplexing apparatus has: a light source section that uses light source units to emit collimated beams; a first lens portion that converges the collimated beams which enter at different incident angles from each other to define converging positions; and a second lens portion that has focal points that correspond to the converging positions, respectively, wherein the first and second lens portions form an optical reduction system, and an optical axis of the second lens portion, which is directed to the corresponding focal point to one of the converging positions, extends along another optical axis of the second lens position, which is directed to the corresponding focal point to another of the converging positions.