Projector Light Source Apparatus with Segmented Condensing Optical Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in the number of semiconductor lasers in projector light sources leads to a wider light flux, resulting in a larger condenser lens and a more substantial light source apparatus, increasing material costs and being susceptible to mounting errors due to the use of afocal systems with high reduction factors.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus with a divided light exiting area, utilizing a first and second light ray flux guided through separate condensing optical systems, accompanied by wavelength separation and polarization elements, allowing for smaller lens sizes and reduced projector size by employing wavelength selective polarization and retardation elements to manage excitation and fluorescence effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the number of semiconductor lasers is increased to increase the luminance of the light flux, then the luminance is improved, but the width of the light flux increases and the diameter of the condenser lens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple semiconductor lasers arranged in a specific pattern, and separates the condensing optical system into multiple independent condenser lenses, each corresponding to one or more semiconductor lasers. This segmentation allows each lens to have a smaller diameter while collectively providing the required luminance output.
2Area of stationary object
If an afocal system with a greater reduction factor is used to adjust the light ray flux width, then the light flux width is reduced, but the system is more affected by mounting errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the single afocal system with multiple independent condensing optical systems, each consisting of a condenser lens and corresponding to specific semiconductor lasers. This segmentation reduces the sensitivity to mounting errors while achieving the desired light flux width control.
3Device complexity
If a single condensing optical system is used for all semiconductor lasers, then the structure is simple, but the condenser lens diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single condensing optical system into multiple independent condensing optical systems, with each system comprising a condenser lens that processes light from specific semiconductor lasers. This segmentation enables the use of smaller diameter lenses while maintaining the overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges semiconductor lasers and condensing optical systems in a specific spatial configuration, utilizing dimensional arrangement to achieve compact design with smaller individual components while maintaining overall system performance.
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 enables the use of smaller condensing optical systems, reducing the overall size and cost of the light source apparatus while minimizing the impact of mounting errors, achieving efficient light management and color temperature adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength conversion element... The fluorescence emitted from the wavelength conversion element enters the first condensing optical system
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength separation element... provided sequentially from the side where the light source section is present on an optical path of the first light ray flux
Implementation Method 3
a wavelength selective polarization element... The wavelength selective polarization element transmits the fluorescence irrespective of a polarization state of the fluorescence
Implementation Method 4
a first retardation element... a second retardation element... the direction of an optic axis of the second retardation element is changeable
Implementation Method 5
a first condensing optical system... and a second condensing optical system... guides light ray flux through condensing optical systems
Implementation Method 6
a reflection element... The second light ray flux reflected by the reflection element passes through the second condensing optical system
Data Source
AI summary
Alight source apparatus includes alight source section having a first area and a second area, a first condensing optical system, a second condensing optical system, a wavelength conversion element, a reflection element, and a wavelength selective polarization element. The first area and the second area respectively emit a first light ray flux and a second light ray flux. The first light ray flux passes through the first condensing optical system to excite the wavelength conversion element. The excited wavelength conversion element emits fluorescence. The second light ray flux passes through the wavelength selective polarization element and the second condensing optical system to enter the reflection element. The wavelength selective polarization element transmits the fluorescence irrespective of the polarization state of the fluorescence to combine the second light ray flux reflected by the reflection element with the fluorescence.