Optical Projection Apparatus Compact Folded Light Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical projection apparatuses are bulky due to a large, unused space between the imaging and illumination systems, which prevents them from meeting the compact size requirements of modern electronic products.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first reflective component between the reflective light valve and both the imaging and illumination systems to redirect the light beam and image, allowing the imaging system to be positioned adjacent to the illumination system, thereby reducing the size and thickness of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the optical axis of the imaging system and the optical axis of the digital DMD are arranged parallel to each other, then the optical path is simple and easy to implement, but a large unused space is created between the imaging system and the illumination system, resulting in bulky size and thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first reflective component that changes the optical path from a parallel arrangement to a folded arrangement, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space. The reflective component folds the optical path between the illumination system and imaging system, allowing them to be positioned closer together in the vertical direction while maintaining proper optical alignment, thus reducing the horizontal space occupation and overall apparatus thickness.
2Volume of moving object
If a first reflective component is added to fold the optical path and position the imaging system adjacent to the illumination system, then the apparatus size and thickness are reduced, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first reflective component is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects light from the illumination system onto the DMD, folds the optical path to reduce apparatus size, and enables the imaging system to be positioned adjacent to the illumination system. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent minimizes the increase in component count while achieving compact dimensions.
3Volume of moving object
If the imaging system is positioned adjacent to the illumination system using the first reflective component, then the apparatus becomes more compact, but the positioning and alignment requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The first reflective component acts as an intermediary element that mediates the optical path between the illumination system and imaging system. It provides a fixed reference point for alignment, allowing the imaging system to be positioned adjacent to the illumination system while maintaining proper optical alignment. The reflective component's stable position serves as a alignment reference, reducing the stringency of positioning requirements compared to direct coupling of the systems.
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 results in a compact optical projection apparatus with reduced size and thickness, fewer reflective components, lower costs, and improved imaging quality by adjusting the imaging system's position and reducing the number of components needed.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflective component is employed to reflect the light beam onto the reflective light valve and then reflect the image produced by the reflective light valve into the imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
An optical projection apparatus including an illumination system, a reflective light valve, an imaging system, and a reflective component is provided. The illumination system is suitable for providing a light beam and the reflective light valve is disposed on a transmission path of the light beam. The reflective light valve is used for converting the light beam into an image. In addition, the imaging system is disposed on the transmission path of the image. The reflective component is disposed both between the reflective light valve and the imaging system and between the reflective light valve and the illumination system, and disposed on the transmission path of the light beam and the image. The reflective component is used for reflecting the light beam onto the reflective light valve, and then reflecting the image produced by the reflective light valve into the imaging system.