Projector Optical System Using Polarization Conversion for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single LCD projectors face challenges with high power consumption, low photoelectric efficiency, and non-uniform illumination, making them less competitive compared to DLP projectors, particularly in terms of brightness and battery duration.
Innovation Solution
A projector optical system incorporating a LED light source, optical rod polarization conversion module, overlapped lens module, and specific optical components to enhance light utilization efficiency and uniformity, including an integration rod with a polarized light modulation plate and brightening polarizer, and a precise illumination assembly module for improved production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional LED light source and simple illumination structure are used in single LCD projector, then device complexity is low, but photoelectric efficiency is low (0.8-4 Lm/w) and brightness uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination structure is divided into multiple functional modules: LED light source module, optical rod polarization conversion module, overlapped lens module, and illumination uniformity adjustment module. Each module performs a specific function to improve overall photoelectric efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical components are integrated into a compact nested arrangement where the optical rod polarization conversion module is positioned within the illumination assembly, and the overlapped lens module is integrated with the LCD light valve assembly, creating a space-efficient structure that improves light utilization without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Illumination intensity
If higher brightness is achieved in single LCD projector, then illumination intensity improves, but power consumption increases and photoelectric efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical rod polarization conversion module continuously converts and directs light from the LED source through multiple reflections and refractions, ensuring that light energy is continuously utilized efficiently. The overlapped lens module continuously focuses light onto the LCD light valve, maximizing the useful action of light energy throughout the projection duration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters including light polarization state, light direction, and light intensity distribution through the optical rod polarization conversion module and overlapped lens module, transforming the LED light source output to achieve higher brightness with improved photoelectric efficiency by optimizing light path and distribution parameters
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional illumination method is used, then device complexity is low, but brightness uniformity across LCD light valve is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The optical rod polarization conversion module and overlapped lens module are designed to provide different optical characteristics at different locations. The optical rod structure creates localized light paths that converge uniformly on the LCD light valve, while the overlapped lens module provides localized focusing control to ensure uniform brightness distribution across the entire display area
Solution Approach 2:
The optical rod polarization conversion module introduces a new dimension of light path control through its three-dimensional internal structure with multiple reflection and refraction surfaces. This three-dimensional optical path management enables uniform brightness distribution across the LCD light valve by controlling light in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously
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
Significantly increases light utilization efficiency, reduces power consumption, and achieves uniform illumination, enabling single LCD projectors to match the performance and efficiency of DLP projectors, including longer battery duration and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an optical rod polarization conversion module, which comprises an integration rod, a polarized light modulation plate and a brightening polarizer
Implementation Method 2
A light transmitting part for light transmission and a reflecting part for light reflection are arranged on an incident surface of the integration rod
Data Source
AI summary
A projector optical system includes a LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source, an optical rod polarization conversion module, an overlapped lens module, a first mirror, a focusing lens, a LCD light valve, a field lens, a second mirror and a projection lens, which are sequentially arranged according to a traveling direction of lights. The optical rod polarization conversion module is for integration and polarized light conversion of natural lights emitted from the LED light source. The overlapped lens module is for superimposing integrated lights on the LCD light valve, so as to greatly improve light utilization of a projector and obviously save power supply consumption. Meanwhile, uniform illumination to the LCD light valve is realized, which obviously improves illumination uniformity and illumination efficiency. A projector optical engine is further provided, including the projector optical system.