Prism Light Blocking Member for Projection Device Heat Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In projection devices, heat generated by light beams can damage optical elements, and existing light blocking methods, such as ink coating, are insufficient in preventing this damage, affecting the reliability and performance of the devices.

Innovation Solution

An optical element comprising a prism with a light blocking member that includes first and second light blocking portions, strategically positioned to shield stray light and prevent heat from reaching other optical components, while allowing image light beams to pass through, using materials like poly(butylene succinate) plastic or metal for effective heat resistance and light blocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If ink coating is used to block light in the optical prism, then stray light blocking is improved, but heat blocking is insufficient and optical elements are still damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestray light blockingVSAvoidoptical element durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a composite light blocking structure combining ink coating layer and light blocking member. The ink coating is applied on the prism surfaces while light blocking members (made of heat-resistant materials like aluminum, copper, or heat-resistant plastic) are positioned at critical locations where heat accumulation occurs. This composite approach allows the ink to block stray light while the light blocking members provide superior heat resistance and reflection, protecting optical elements from thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking members act as intermediary elements between the light valve and projection lens, specifically positioned to intercept and reflect heat-generating light beams before they reach sensitive optical elements. These intermediaries (light blocking members) transfer the harmful thermal energy away from vulnerable components through reflection and heat dissipation, protecting the optical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If light blocking members are added to the optical element, then heat blocking is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat blocking capabilityVSAvoidoptical element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly blocking light across the entire optical prism, the patent applies light blocking members only at specific critical locations where heat accumulation and stray light reflection are most problematic. The light blocking members are strategically positioned at corners, edges, or specific surfaces of the prism that are most susceptible to thermal damage, providing localized protection while maintaining optical performance in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking function is segmented into multiple components: ink coating layers on prism surfaces and separate light blocking members positioned at critical locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the ink provides broad-spectrum light blocking while the discrete light blocking members provide targeted heat reflection and protection at vulnerable points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enhances the reliability of projection devices by effectively blocking stray light and heat, thereby extending the service life of optical elements and improving image quality.

Implementation Method 1

The first surface reflects an image light beam from the light valve to allow the image light beam to pass through the second surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The light blocking member is disposed on the prism and includes a first light blocking portion and a second light blocking portion adjacent to each other. The first light blocking portion shields a part of the first surface adjacent to the second surface, and the second light blocking portion shields a part of the second surface adjacent to the first surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11256164B2Optical element and projection device using the same

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 CORETRONIC CORPORATION

AI summary

An optical element includes a prism and a light blocking member. The prism has a first surface, a second surface and a third surface. The first surface is connected to the second surface. The third surface is connected between the first and second surfaces and opposite to a light valve of a projection device. The first surface reflects an image light beam from the light valve to allow the image light beam to pass through the second surface. The light blocking member is disposed on the prism and includes a first light blocking portion and a second light blocking portion adjacent to each other. The first light blocking portion shields a part of the first surface adjacent to the second surface, and the second light blocking portion shields a part of the second surface adjacent to the first surface. A projection device using the optical element is also provided.