Rotating Reflector Layout for Low-Load Planar Light Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light irradiation devices using large-area light sources with high divergence angles face increased drive load due to enlarged mirrors, which is not addressed in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A light irradiation device with a first and second reflecting surface, each rotating around its central axis, where the central axes are orthogonal to inclined reference surfaces, and the reflecting surfaces are inclined to reduce drive load by scanning a planar-like image efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a large-area light source with high divergence angle is used, then the light emission area increases, but the mirror size must be enlarged to reflect the divergent light, increasing the drive load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the optical system by positioning the rotation axis at a specific distance from the light source and inclining the reflecting surface at a specific angle. This parameter optimization allows the use of smaller mirrors while maintaining effective reflection of divergent light from large-area sources, thereby reducing drive load while preserving light emission area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by inclining the reflecting surface relative to the rotation axis. This dimensional adjustment creates an optimized optical path that efficiently handles divergent light from large-area sources without requiring proportionally larger mirrors, thus reducing the drive load
2Area of stationary object
If the mirror size is enlarged to reflect light from large-area sources, then the light reflection capability improves, but the drive load for rotating the mirror increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters including the distance between the rotation axis and light source, and the inclination angle of the reflecting surface. These parameter changes enable smaller mirror areas to effectively reflect light from large-area sources, thereby reducing the drive load required for mirror rotation
3Device complexity
If conventional optical scanner configuration is used with point source, then the optical path is simple, but it cannot effectively handle large-area light sources with high divergence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic geometric relationships by inclining the reflecting surface and positioning the rotation axis at a specific distance from the light source. This dynamic configuration allows the optical system to adapt to large-area light sources with high divergence while maintaining a relatively simple optical path structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by inclining the reflecting surface relative to the rotation axis. This dimensional change enables the system to handle large-area light sources effectively while keeping the overall optical path configuration simple and manageable
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 reduces drive load and enables efficient scanning of planar-like images, improving the light distribution performance and energy efficiency of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflecting surface to reflect and deflect the light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a second reflecting surface to reflect and deflect the light deflected by the first reflecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light irradiation device includes a light source, a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface and a rotation mechanism that rotates the first reflecting surface around a first central axis passing through a center of the first reflecting surface and rotates the second reflecting surface around a second central axis passing through a center of the second reflecting surface. The first central axis is orthogonal to a first reference surface that is 45 degrees inclined with respect to a first plane that is orthogonal to an optical axis of light incident upon the first reflecting surface, the second central axis is orthogonal to a second reference surface parallel to the first reference surface, and the first reflecting surface is inclined with respect to the first reference surface and the second reflecting surface is inclined with respect to the second reference surface.