Solid Optical Spacer for Structured Light Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structured light projectors face mechanical instability and optical inaccuracies due to air spaces within the device, which can lead to contamination and operational hazards, affecting the precision of distance measurement and light pattern generation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a solid optical spacer element that bridges the distance between the light source and the diffractive optical element stack, reducing or eliminating air spaces and providing a stable optical path, while also offering mechanical coupling for increased structural stability and reduced humidity exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If air spaces are used within the projector between the light source and diffractive optical element, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but mechanical stability deteriorates and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A solid optical spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and diffractive optical element. This spacer provides a stable mechanical coupling while maintaining the necessary optical path length, eliminating the air space that causes contamination and instability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical spacer is constructed from optically transparent material that combines mechanical structural properties with optical transmission properties. This composite approach allows the single element to simultaneously provide mechanical stability and maintain optical functionality.
2Device complexity
If air spaces are used within the projector, then the device structure is simpler, but optical precision deteriorates due to contamination and operational hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The solid optical spacer acts as a mediator that eliminates direct air exposure between critical optical components. By providing a controlled solid medium for light transmission, it prevents contamination while maintaining the required optical path, thereby preserving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If a solid optical spacer element is introduced to eliminate air spaces, then mechanical stability and optical precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spacer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical coupling between components, maintains the optical path length, prevents contamination, and supports the diffractive optical element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical spacer merges the functions of mechanical support and optical transmission into a single integrated element. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate components, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving the desired mechanical stability.
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 solution enhances the mechanical stability and optical precision of structured light projectors, reducing contamination and operational hazards, leading to improved accuracy in distance measurement and light pattern generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first side of a solid optical spacer element... delivering, by the solid optical spacer element, the light received at the first side through a second side of the solid optical spacer element
Implementation Method 2
a structured light projector may include one or more diffractive optical elements through which the projected light passes in order to illuminate a particular field of view
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed structured light projector may include (1) a light source having a light-emitting side that emits light, (2) a solid optical spacer element having a first side securely coupled to the light-emitting side of the light source, and (3) a diffractive optical element (DOE) stack including one or more DOEs, where the DOE stack includes (a) a light-receiving side securely coupled to a second side of the solid optical spacer element opposite the first side, and (b) a light-emitting side opposite the light-receiving side that emits structured light in response to the light received from the light-emitting side of the light source via the solid optical spacer element. Various other devices and methods are also disclosed.