DMD Cooling Module Heat Pipe Fin Light Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

DLP projectors face challenges in effectively cooling their DMD modules due to increased heat generation from high-lumen light sources, leading to potential overheating, reduced module lifespan, and light pollution through venting apertures, which also increase airflow resistance and noise.

Innovation Solution

A cooling module incorporating a heat pipe and fins that contact the DMD module for efficient heat dissipation and light shielding, where the fins overlap to block scattered light and enhance airflow, reducing the need for conventional light shelters and minimizing airflow resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional heat conduction pads and fans are used for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but cooling efficiency is insufficient for high-lumen projectors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDMD module temperatureVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical cooling systems (heat conduction pads and fans) with a heat pipe-based thermal management system. The heat pipe utilizes phase change and capillary action to achieve superior heat transfer efficiency, eliminating the need for large pads and high-speed fans while effectively cooling the DMD module in high-lumen projectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal conduction parameters by introducing heat pipes with optimized thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficients. The heat pipe structure enables rapid heat evacuation from the DMD module, significantly improving the thermal management parameters compared to conventional heat conduction pads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If venting apertures are disposed on housing to promote cooling airflow, then cooling airflow is enhanced, but light leakage occurs causing discomfort and light pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling airflowVSAvoidlight leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light shielding function with the thermal management system by integrating light-shielding fins into the heat pipe assembly. These fins simultaneously serve as heat dissipation structures and light barriers, blocking light leakage through venting apertures while maintaining effective cooling airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat-shielding fins integrated with the heat pipe system perform multiple functions: they dissipate heat from the DMD module, block light leakage through venting apertures, and maintain structural integrity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate light shielding components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If light shelter is disposed on venting apertures to block light leakage, then light pollution is reduced, but airflow resistance increases and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight pollutionVSAvoidairflow resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines light shielding and heat dissipation functions into a single integrated structure. The heat-shielding fins are part of the heat pipe assembly, allowing them to block light leakage without creating additional airflow resistance, as they are positioned and designed to work with the cooling airflow path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 cooling module effectively extends the lifespan of the DMD module by improving heat dissipation and reducing light pollution, while maintaining efficient airflow and minimizing noise and system resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a heat pipe (33), wherein the heat pipe (33) has a first portion (331) and a second portion (333) which connects to the first portion (331) in heat conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Implementation Method 2

the heat pipe connects to the heat conduction device at the first portion (331) thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

at least one fin (35), wherein the fin (35) connects with the second portion (333) of the heat pipe (33)... heat generated from the DMD module for processing light can be outwardly removed from the heat conduction device through the heat pipe (33) and the fin (35)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

the fins can provide rapid heat dissipation and also shelter the scattered light from the light source by partially overlapping along the direction of the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8147072B2Cooling module for use with a projection apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.04.03 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

A cooling module for use with a DMD module of a projection apparatus is provided. The cooling module includes a heat conduction device, at least one heat pipe, and at least one fin. Heat accumulating on the DMD module can be released from the heat conduction device to the fins through the heat pipe. Meanwhile, the fins partially overlap along the direction of the light coming from the light source. Thus, the fins can also prevent the unused light in the casing of the projection apparatus from leakage.