Wavelength Conversion Device for Compact Projector Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projector illumination systems are complex, costly, and large due to the numerous optical components required for beam transmission, leading to reduced optical efficiency and noise generation.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength conversion device with a substrate having a rotation axis, featuring a wavelength converting portion and a wavelength maintaining portion, which simultaneously converts a portion of the illumination beam into different wavelengths, reducing the number of optical elements and simplifying the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional illumination systems use multiple optical components to guide beam transmission, then the illumination function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and optical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (reflection section, refraction section, and total internal reflection section) into a single integrated optical element with different functional regions. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the complex optical functions needed for efficient illumination, directly resolving the contradiction between optical efficiency and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects light in certain regions, refracts light in other regions, and utilizes total internal reflection in additional regions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate optical elements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high optical efficiency
2Illumination intensity
If multiple optical components are used in the illumination system, then the illumination function is achieved, but the projector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical functions into a single optical element, the physical space required for housing multiple separate components is eliminated. This merging directly reduces the projector's overall size while maintaining the necessary illumination functions through the different functional regions within the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element contains multiple functional regions (reflection, refraction, total internal reflection) nested within a single structure. This nesting approach allows complex optical functionality to be packed into a compact form factor, reducing the projector size while preserving illumination performance
3Reliability
If multiple optical components are used to guide the beam, then the illumination path is established, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components into a single integrated element, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and aligned. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable illumination path stability through the precisely designed functional regions within the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is divided into distinct functional regions (reflection section, refraction section, total internal reflection section) that can be designed and manufactured as integrated parts. This segmentation within integration allows for optimized manufacturing processes and reduces assembly costs while ensuring stable optical performance
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 design reduces the number of optical elements, lowers costs, and minimizes the projector's size while maintaining efficient beam conversion, resulting in a more cost-effective and compact illumination system.
Implementation Method 1
The wavelength converting portion surrounds the rotation axis of the substrate, and is adapted to receive the first beam and convert a first portion of the first beam into a second beam
Implementation Method 2
The light combining element is disposed on a transmission path of the second beam from the wavelength converting portion and the second portion of the first beam from the wavelength maintaining portion, so that the second portion of the first beam and the second beam form an illumination beam
Data Source
AI summary
A projector and its illumination system and wavelength conversion device are provided. The wavelength conversion device includes a substrate, a wavelength converting portion, and a wavelength maintaining portion. The substrate has a rotation axis. The wavelength converting portion surrounds the rotation axis and is adapted to receive the first beam and convert a first portion of the first beam into a second beam. The wavelength maintaining portion surrounds the rotation axis and is adapted to receive the first beam and guide a second portion of the first beam. A ratio of the first portion of the first beam with respect to the first beam is greater than a ratio of the second portion of the first beam with respect to the first beam. The illumination system and the wavelength conversion device in the projector reduce the number of optical elements, thereby reducing the cost and the size of the projector.