Light Source Device for Projectors Using Merged LED and Laser Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors face issues with complex and bulky internal structures due to multiple light sources, leading to poor heat dissipation and reduced projector lifetime, which affects imaging brightness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A projector design incorporating a light source device with a color wheel, dichroic mirrors, and a light merging unit, utilizing LEDs and a laser light source to generate red, blue, and green lights, which are merged and guided through a prism unit to enhance imaging brightness while minimizing bulkiness and improving heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to improve imaging brightness, then imaging brightness is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources (LED and laser) into a single integrated light source device. The LED module and laser module are combined in one housing with shared optical components, allowing multiple light sources to work together for improved brightness while avoiding the complexity of separate lighting systems. The color wheel is also integrated into this unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can generate multiple colors (red from LED, green from laser through color wheel) using a single integrated structure. The dichroic mirrors and color wheel work together to provide different colors from the same device, eliminating the need for separate monochrome light sources.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to improve imaging brightness, then imaging brightness is improved, but heat dissipation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light source device is segmented into distinct thermal management zones. The LED module and laser module are positioned with separate heat dissipation pathways. The housing includes dedicated heat dissipation structures for each light source type, allowing heat to be directed away from sensitive components while maintaining the benefits of multiple light sources.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to improve imaging brightness, then imaging brightness is improved, but projector lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by multiple light sources into a beneficial design feature by incorporating heat dissipation structures that actively manage thermal energy. The heat dissipation channels and thermal management housing designs transform what would be damaging heat accumulation into controlled thermal management, protecting components and extending projector lifetime while maintaining high brightness output.
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 imaging brightness and reliability by simplifying the internal structure, improving heat dissipation, and extending the projector's lifespan through efficient light management and heat control.
Implementation Method 1
a red light emitting diode (LED) 1121
Implementation Method 2
a laser light source 114
Implementation Method 3
a color wheel 116
Implementation Method 4
a first dichroic mirror 1122, a second dichroic mirror 1124
Implementation Method 5
a first lens set 1126, a second lens set 1125
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a projection lens set, a DMD, a prism unit, a light guide unit, and a light source device. The light source device includes a first and a second LEDs, a laser light source, and a color wheel. The first LED is positioned in a first optical path and generates a first light. The laser light source is positioned in a second optical path and generates a laser light. The second LED is positioned in a third optical path and generates a second light. The laser light irradiates the color wheel to generate a third light. A light merging unit merges the first, second, and third lights. The light guide unit guides the mixed light to the prism unit. The mixed light is refracted to the DMD via the prism unit. The refracted mixed light is reflected to the projection lens set via the DMD.