Side-by-Side Light Guide and Wavelength Converter for Compact Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source apparatuses for projectors require separate components to generate white light, leading to increased size due to the need for additional optical systems to combine different colored lights, which complicates the design and increases the overall size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus comprising a light guide, a wavelength converter, and a light combiner, where the light guide and wavelength converter are disposed side by side, with a light source section that emits blue light, which is used to excite a phosphor in the wavelength converter to produce yellow fluorescence, combining the blue and yellow light into white light within the apparatus, thereby reducing the size and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate light sources and optical systems are used to generate white light, then color quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide and wavelength converter into a single integrated unit where blue light from the LED is guided through the light guide and simultaneously converted to yellow light by the phosphor layer. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate optical systems to combine blue and yellow light, reducing overall device size while maintaining white light quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves multiple functions: it guides the blue light from the LED and simultaneously acts as a substrate for the phosphor layer that converts blue light to yellow light. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device complexity and size while achieving the desired white light output.
2Illumination intensity
If additional optical systems are added to combine blue and yellow light, then white light generation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide and wavelength converter into one integrated component, eliminating the need for separate optical systems to combine blue and yellow light. The light guide and phosphor layer work together as a unified system, significantly reducing optical system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure itself provides the platform for wavelength conversion by incorporating the phosphor layer directly onto it. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external optical components to perform the wavelength conversion and light combination functions.
3Loss of energy
If multiple separate components are used for wavelength conversion, then conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide and wavelength converter into a single manufactured unit, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining conversion efficiency. This integrated approach reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity compared to using separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is constructed as a composite structure with the phosphor layer integrated onto the light guide substrate. This composite material approach allows for efficient wavelength conversion while simplifying manufacturing, as the phosphor and light guide are produced as a single integrated component rather than separate parts requiring assembly.
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 enables a compact light source apparatus capable of producing white light efficiently without the need for additional phosphor light sources or complex optical systems, enhancing light use efficiency and reducing the size and cost of the projector.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength converter including a phosphor that emits second light having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band when the phosphor is excited with another part of the first light emitted from the light source section
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus includes a light source section emitting first light having a first wavelength band, a light guide propagating part of the first light, a wavelength converter disposed side by side with the light guide and including a phosphor emitting second light having a second wavelength band when excited by another part of the first light, and a light combiner that combines the first light exiting the light guide with the second light exiting the wavelength converter. The light source section faces the light guide and the wavelength converter.