Projector Polarizer Solar Cell Light Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors inefficiently use light as polarization components are either reflected or absorbed by polarizers, leading to waste of the light source's output, rather than utilizing it for both image generation and power generation.
Innovation Solution
A projector design that includes a light source, a liquid crystal panel for image modulation, a polarizer that reflects one polarization component for image generation and transmits another for power generation, and a solar cell to convert the transmitted light into electricity, optimizing the use of the light source's output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a polarizer is used to generate image light from polarized light, then image quality is improved, but light efficiency deteriorates because polarization components are reflected or absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflected light (which was previously wasted) into a useful resource by directing it to a solar cell for electricity generation. The polarizer's reflection of unwanted polarization components is transformed from energy loss to power generation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining image quality and improving light efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflected light from the polarizer is given a dual function: it no longer serves only as waste to be discarded but also as energy source for power generation. This multi-functionality allows the system to simultaneously maintain image quality while recovering energy, addressing the efficiency loss.
2Illumination intensity
If light from the light source is used only for image generation, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements energy feedback by capturing the reflected light from the polarizer and converting it back into electrical energy through the solar cell. This feedback loop returns energy to the system, reducing the net power consumption while maintaining the original light source output for image generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector system serves itself by using its own waste light (reflected from the polarizer) to generate electricity that powers the system. The solar cell enables the system to self-power partially, reducing external power consumption requirements while maintaining image generation capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If a solar cell is added to capture reflected light, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical path for image generation with the energy recovery path by integrating the solar cell into the existing polarizer setup. The reflected light path is combined with the solar cell without requiring separate complex optical systems, reducing overall structural complexity while improving energy efficiency.
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 projector efficiently uses the light source's output by generating image light and electricity from the same light, reducing power consumption and enabling downsizing and cost reduction through improved energy regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
a first solar cell entered by the second light as the second polarization component transmitted through the polarizer, wherein the first solar cell generates electricity from the second light
Data Source
AI summary
A projector of the present disclosure includes a light source outputting a light, one liquid crystal panel modulating the light output from the light source based on an image signal, a polarizer reflecting a first light as a first polarization component generating an image light of the light output from the liquid crystal panel, and transmitting a second light as a second polarization component different from the first polarization component of the light output from the liquid crystal panel, and a first solar cell entered by the second light as the second polarization component transmitted through the polarizer, wherein the first solar cell generates electricity from the second light as the second polarization component entering from the polarizer.