Single Color Wheel Illumination System for Projection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination systems in projection devices require multiple color wheel modules, leading to excessive noise, high cost, and inability to adjust light combination for biased wavelength ranges, such as reddish or greenish projections.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system utilizing a single rotating wheel with an excitation light source, wavelength conversion element, first and second light splitting elements, and corresponding homogenizing elements to generate and control light beams in different wavebands, allowing for adjustable color beam generation and improved uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two or more color wheel modules are used, then color coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple color wheel modules into a single integrated color wheel structure. This single color wheel contains both the wavelength conversion phosphor layer and the color separation filter layer, eliminating the need for separate modules while maintaining comprehensive color coverage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single color wheel module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it conducts wavelength conversion through phosphor, separates colors through filters, and enables adjustable light combinations. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple specialized modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two or more color wheel modules are used, then color coverage is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple color wheel modules into one integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of rotating mechanical components. This single-color-wheel design generates less mechanical noise while achieving the same color coverage through coordinated phosphor conversion and filter separation functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two or more color wheel modules are used, then color coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple color wheel modules into a single module, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while preserving comprehensive color coverage through the combined phosphor and filter functions within the single wheel.
4Device complexity
If a single rotating wheel is used, then device complexity is reduced, but light combination adjustability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single color wheel is segmented into distinct functional zones: a wavelength conversion zone with phosphor materials and a color separation zone with filter layers. This segmentation allows different portions of the wheel to handle different aspects of light manipulation, enabling adjustable light combinations through selective positioning of these zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The color wheel is designed to rotate dynamically, allowing different segments (phosphor zones and filter zones) to be positioned at various angular locations. This dynamic positioning enables flexible adjustment of light combinations by controlling which segments are active in the optical path at any given time.
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 enables precise control of light beams in various wavebands, achieving good uniformity and color uniformity while reducing the overall system size, cost, and noise, maintaining effective optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
the wavelength conversion sequentially convert the laser beam into at least one excited beam and reflect the laser beam or allow the laser beam to pass through
Implementation Method 2
the first light splitting element is disposed on the transmission path of the laser beam from the excitation light source and a transmission path of the at least one excited beam from the wavelength conversion element to allow the laser beam to pass through, reflect at least a portion of the at least one excited beam to generate a first color beam
Implementation Method 3
the second light splitting element is disposed on the transmission path of the laser beam from the excitation light source and a transmission path of the at least another portion of the at least one excited beam from the wavelength conversion element to allow the laser beam to pass through and reflect the at least another portion of the at least one excited beam to generate a second color beam
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system is configured to provide an illumination beam. The illumination system includes an excitation light source, a wavelength conversion element, first and second light splitting elements, and first and second light homogenizing elements. The excitation light source is configured to provide a laser beam. The wavelength conversion element sequentially converts the laser beam into at least one excited beam and reflects the laser beam or allows the laser beam to pass through. The first light splitting element is configured to allow the laser beam to pass through to generate a first color beam and allow at least another portion of the at least one excited beam to pass through. The second light splitting element is configured to allow the laser beam to pass through to generate a second color beam. The first and second light homogenizing elements are disposed on transmission paths of the first and second color beams respectively. The illumination beam includes the first color beam, the second color beam, and the laser beam. The illumination system includes only a single rotating wheel.