Projection Module Thickness Reduction via Merged Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stacking of 3D sensing projection modules on electronic devices increases device thickness due to the need for additional optical components, which complicates design and adds bulk.
Innovation Solution
A compact projection module design incorporating a light source, reflective structure, and optical structure with parallel or joined optical elements to minimize size, utilizing a VCSEL for efficient laser emission and dual reflective and optical elements for scanning and supplementing light, ensuring effective object scanning without additional optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the projection module is stacked on a display component or housing, then the projection function can be added to the electronic device, but the thickness of the electronic device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the projection module with the display component by integrating the light source and optical elements directly onto the display structure. The display component serves dual purposes: as the display itself and as part of the projection system, eliminating the need for separate stacked components and reducing overall device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The display component is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the display screen and part of the projection optical path. The light source and optical elements are integrated into the display structure, allowing the same component to fulfill both display and projection roles, thereby avoiding additional thickness from separate modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical components are added to the projection module, then the projection and scanning functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into fewer integrated components. The reflective structure and optical elements are combined in a compact arrangement where the display component itself acts as part of the optical path, reducing the number of separate optical components needed while maintaining scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the z-axis (thickness direction) efficiently by arranging optical elements in a compact stacked configuration within the display component. The light path is folded using reflective surfaces to achieve scanning functionality without requiring large lateral dimensions or numerous sequential components, thus reducing overall complexity.
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 allows for reduced electronic device thickness by integrating the projection module functions within existing form factors, enhancing scanning efficiency and light utilization while maintaining device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, reflective structure, and optical structure with parallel or joined optical elements to minimize size, utilizing a VCSEL for efficient laser emission
Implementation Method 2
The reflective structure 20 includes a first reflective element 21 and a second reflective element 22... The first reflective element 21 can reflect a portion of the laser light towards the second reflective element 22
Implementation Method 3
The optical structure 30 includes a first optical element 31 and a second optical element 32... The first optical element 31 can project the laser light from the second reflective element 22 towards the object to scan the object
Data Source
AI summary
A projection module includes a light source, a reflective structure, and an optical structure. The light source emits laser light. The reflective structure includes a first reflective element and a second reflective element. The optical structure includes a first optical element and a second optical element. The reflective structure is disposed between the laser source and the optical structure. The first reflective element reflects a portion of the laser light towards the second reflective element, and transmits a remaining portion of the laser light towards the second optical element. The second reflective element reflects the laser light from the first reflective element towards the first optical element. The first optical element and the second optical element cooperatively project the laser beam towards an object.