Scanning Mirror Illumination Layout for Occlusion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanning mirror-based illumination systems face challenges with space optimization, light occlusion, and manufacturing complexity due to the placement of the light source relative to the scanning mirror, leading to suboptimal performance and increased precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
The light source is positioned in front of the scanning mirror assembly, with an optical element placed beyond the light source to redirect reflected light into occluded regions, minimizing shadow effects and simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing alignment complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the light source is placed directly above the mirror to minimize the light path length, then the system becomes more compact, but the light source obstructs the reflected light creating an occluded spot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light source laterally offset from the mirror's central axis rather than directly above it, changing the spatial arrangement from a vertical alignment to a lateral configuration. This dimensional repositioning allows the reflected light to bypass the light source obstruction while maintaining a compact overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are configured with asymmetric lengths relative to the mirror plate, creating an asymmetric mechanical structure that enables the light source to be positioned at an optimized lateral offset. This asymmetric arrangement allows the light path to clear the light source obstruction while maintaining structural stability and compactness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light source is offset further from the mirror centre to avoid occlusion, then light obstruction is reduced, but the system takes up more space and image deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the vertical distance to reduce occlusion, the patent utilizes lateral offset positioning in the horizontal dimension. This dimensional shift allows the light source to be positioned far enough laterally to avoid occluding the reflected light while maintaining a compact vertical profile and minimizing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the lateral offset distance as a critical parameter, positioning the light source at a specific distance from the mirror's central axis. This parameter optimization balances the reduction of light occlusion with the minimization of system volume and image deformation, achieving an optimal compromise through precise parameter control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the light source is offset from the centre to avoid occlusion, then reflected light passage is improved, but manufacturing alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional requirements to different parts of the system: the light source is positioned with lateral offset to avoid occlusion, while the mirror and support arms are designed with specific geometric relationships. This local differentiation of functional requirements allows each component to be manufactured and assembled with standardized tolerances, reducing overall alignment precision requirements compared to a fully centered configuration.
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 results in a more compact, efficient illumination system with reduced light occlusion and image deformation, while simplifying the manufacturing process and maintaining optical characteristics of the reflected light.
Implementation Method 1
the light reflected by the mirror is denoted by B
Implementation Method 2
an optical element placed beyond the light source to redirect reflected light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an illumination system comprising: (a) a light source (1) arranged for emitting non-collimated light towards a reflective surface of a scanning mirror assembly (3) such that the light source occludes a region of the light reflected from the reflective surface; (b) the scanning mirror assembly (3) comprising the reflective surface, arranged to be rotationally displaced around at least one rotation axis (7); and an optical element (15) for changing the propagation direction of the said reflected light so as to illuminate at least a part of the said occluded region.