Projection Device Coplanar Optical Path Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser projection devices have a large volume and extended projection distance due to the perpendicular arrangement of the phosphor wheel and color filter wheel, as well as the oblique incidence of light beams, which limits the miniaturization of the device.
Innovation Solution
The projection device incorporates an illumination system with a light wavelength conversion wheel, color filter wheel, and light homogenizing element, where the light beams are directed along different paths on the same plane, allowing for a more compact optical path structure and reduced system volume by using reflectors and a digital micro-mirror device to convert and project the image beam efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the phosphor wheel and color filter wheel are disposed perpendicular to each other, then the device can achieve color conversion and filtering functions, but the depth of the system volume increases and projection distance cannot be shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from perpendicular (3D depth) to coplanar (2D plane) configuration of optical components. The first and second light beams are directed along different directions on the same plane, transforming the optical path from a deep perpendicular structure to a flattened planar structure, thereby reducing system depth while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If the light beam is incident to the light valve from below or obliquely from below, then the light valve can effectively modulate the light, but the volume of the projection device cannot be further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of incidenting light from below or obliquely from below on the light valve, the patent inverts the optical path by directing light beams along different directions on the same plane through the light valve, enabling a more compact device volume while maintaining effective light modulation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical path structure uses perpendicular arrangement of components, then the optical paths are well-defined, but the device volume increases and miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths of the first and second light beams into the same plane, combining previously separate perpendicular paths into a unified planar configuration. This merging reduces the overall device volume while maintaining well-defined optical paths through coordinated component 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 system volume and shortens the projection distance, enabling a more compact and efficient projection device design while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
When the blue laser light hits a phosphor region, the blue laser light excites the phosphor to generate a yellow light
Implementation Method 2
The light beam passes through a color filter wheel to sequentially generate light beams of different colors
Implementation Method 3
After the light beams penetrate a light homogenizing element to shape light homogeneously
Implementation Method 4
When the blue laser light is irradiated on a reflection region of the phosphor wheel, the blue laser light is reflected to the light homogenizing element
Data Source
AI summary
A projection device is provided. An excitation light source of the projection device emits a first light beam incident to a light wavelength conversion wheel along a first direction. The light wavelength conversion wheel outputs the first light beam at a first timing, and converts the first light beam into a second light beam to be outputted at a second timing. The second light beam exits the light wavelength conversion wheel along a second direction. The first and second light beams sequentially penetrate a color filter wheel and a light homogenizing element, so that an illumination system outputs an illumination beam. The illumination beam is incident to a light valve along a third direction to be converted into an image beam. The image beam exits the light valve along a fourth direction. The first to fourth directions are different from each other and are located on a same plane.