Projection Light Source Module With Partial Lens Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional projection devices require large focusing lenses to cover the entire light source array, which is not suitable for compact applications.

Innovation Solution

A light source module with a focusing lens that covers only a partial area of the light source array, utilizing a reflector or polarizing filter array to redirect light beams not directly entering the lens, allowing for a smaller focusing lens size while maintaining effective light focusing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the focusing lens covers the entire light source array to focus all light beams, then the light focusing capability is improved, but the lens size becomes large which cannot satisfy compact application requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight focusing capabilityVSAvoidlens size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light source array into multiple regions, with the focusing lens covering only a partial area (center area or specific region) rather than the entire array. Reflectors are assigned to different regions to redirect light from uncovered areas into the focusing lens, achieving complete light collection with a smaller lens size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reflectors are introduced as intermediary components between the light source array and the focusing lens. These reflectors redirect light beams from light sources not directly covered by the lens into the lens, enabling the lens to focus all light beams without needing to cover the entire light source array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the focusing lens size is reduced to meet compact application requirements, then the device compactness is improved, but the ability to focus all light beams from the light source array deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens sizeVSAvoidlight focusing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light source array is divided into multiple regions, with the focusing lens responsible for a specific portion (center area or selected region). Reflectors are deployed in other regions to redirect light into the lens, ensuring complete light collection despite the lens covering only a partial area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reflectors serve as intermediary optical components that redirect light from light sources outside the lens coverage area into the focusing lens. This intermediary mechanism enables the small lens to collect and focus all light beams from the entire light source array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If reflectors are added to redirect light from uncovered light sources, then the focusing lens size can be reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens sizeVSAvoidoptical component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple reflectors are merged into a single integrated reflector array structure, where adjacent reflectors share common boundaries and support structures. This merging approach reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies assembly while maintaining the light redirecting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector array is designed to perform multiple functions: redirecting light from uncovered light sources, defining optical paths, and potentially serving as structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 a smaller focusing lens size that can still focus all light beams, meeting the size requirements of practical applications and reducing the overall size of the projection device.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector array located between the focusing lens and the lens array, the reflector array including multiple reflectors or multiple reflectors and polarization filters, where at least two reflectors or at least one reflector and one polarizing filter are located on an output beam path of each light source of the light source array not covered by the focusing lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a focusing lens covering a partial area of the light source array and the lens array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

Each lens corresponds to one light source to condense and collimate the output light of the light source, so the output light of each light source is collimated into a parallel light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3147701B1Light source module and projection device
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 APPOTRONICS CORP LTD
  • EP3147701B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3147701B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3147701B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A light source module is provided. The light source module comprises a light source array (71) and a lens array (72) arranged corresponding to the light source array (71). The light source module further comprises a condensing lens (73) covering partial regions of the light source array (71) and the lens array (72), and a reflecting mirror array (74) positioned between the condensing lens (73) and the lens array (72). The reflecting mirror array (74) comprises a plurality of reflecting mirrors, or a plurality of reflecting mirrors and polarizing filters (740). A light path of light beam emitted by each light source of the light source array (71) which is not covered by the condensing lens (73) is provided with at least two reflecting mirrors, or at least one reflecting mirror and one polarizing filter (740). The last reflecting mirror or the polarizing filter in each light path is positioned in the area covered by the condensing lens (73), and accordingly a light beam which can not be directly incident to the condensing lens (73) is transmitted to the condensing lens (73). Since the condensing lens (73) does not need to cover the whole area of the light source array (71), the size of the condensing lens (73) is relatively small, which better satisfies the demands of practical application, and better facilitates the application of the projection device.