Projection Apparatus Compact Depth via Reflective Optical Path Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection apparatuses tend to increase in size due to the configuration of light sources and optical systems, particularly when using large light sources, leading to a demand for a more compact design.
Innovation Solution
The projection apparatus incorporates a light source with a first reflective optical element that reflects part of the light, a second reflective optical element in the light's path, and a projection optical apparatus with a deflection member that changes the light's direction, allowing the light exiting optical axis to intersect with the optical axis of the passage path, thereby reducing the overall size by optimizing the placement of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the video display device is provided on the light incident side of the transmissive optical system, then the light can be modulated and projected, but the dimension of the projector along the depth direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the optical system by replacing the transmissive optical system with a reflective optical system. The light modulation apparatus is positioned to receive light from the light source, and the reflective optical system with its specific optical path design (where the extension of the light exiting optical axis intersects with the extension containing the optical axis of the passage optical path) allows the projector to achieve compact depth dimension while maintaining full light modulation functionality.
2Power
If a large light source having a large dimension in the depth direction is employed, then the light output is increased, but the dimension of the projector in the depth direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reflective optical system with a specific geometric configuration where the light exiting optical axis intersects with the passage optical path axis extension. This design allows large light sources to be positioned in a manner that increases light output while the reflective optics fold the optical path to maintain compact overall depth dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a transmissive optical system where light passes through multiple lens groups in sequence (which inherently increases depth), the patent inverts the approach by using a reflective optical system where light is reflected off mirrors. This inversion of the optical path configuration allows for more flexible spatial arrangement and compact depth dimension.
3Ease of operation
If the transmissive optical system is disposed with intersecting optical axes of front and rear lens groups, then the optical path is established, but the projector depth dimension increases when large light sources are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional transmissive optical system configuration by using a reflective optical system. Instead of light passing through front and rear lens groups with intersecting optical axes (which creates fixed depth requirements), the reflective system with its specific intersection geometry allows the optical path to be established while enabling compact depth dimension through flexible spatial arrangement.
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 effectively reduces the projector's size by preventing protrusion of the light source and optical elements, allowing for a more compact design without compromising the projection quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective optical element that reflects at least part of the light outputted by the light source apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a second reflective optical element disposed in an optical path of the light reflected off the first reflective optical element
Implementation Method 3
a deflection member that deflects a direction of the light traveling along the entrance optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A projection apparatus includes a light source apparatus, a first reflective optical element that reflects the light outputted by the light source apparatus, a second reflective optical element that reflects the light reflected off the first reflective optical element, and a projection optical apparatus that enters the light from the second reflective optical element. The projection optical apparatus has an entrance optical path, a deflection member that deflects the direction of the light traveling along the entrance optical path, and a passage optical path along which the light that exits out of the deflection member travels. The extension of the light exiting optical axis of the light source apparatus does not coincide with the extension of the optical axis of the entrance optical path and intersects with the extension containing the optical axis of the passage optical path.