Digital Micromirror Device Cooling via Synthetic Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling methods for digital micromirror devices in laser imaging modules are inefficient, leading to improper operation, reduced life expectancy, or failure due to high heat absorption, especially with limited space for effective cooling.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus and method utilizing a cooling block with a plate having openings and a diaphragm that generates synthetic jets to enhance airflow and heat transfer, coupled with a temperature sensing system to manage airflow based on temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used for the digital micromirror device, then the device can be cooled, but the heat transfer rate is insufficient and cooling efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is driven to vibrate at high frequency, creating synthetic jet flows that dramatically enhance heat transfer from the digital micromirror device. The vibration frequency and amplitude are controlled to optimize cooling efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid delivery system delivers a fluid (typically air or gas) through a nozzle to the diaphragm, creating synthetic jet flows that impinge on the digital micromirror device. The pneumatic system enables precise control of flow rate and pressure to maximize cooling performance.
2Temperature
If the cooling block size is increased to improve cooling capacity, then heat transfer may improve, but the available space in the laser imaging module is limited
Solution Approach 1:
High-frequency diaphragm vibration creates intense synthetic jet flows that achieve high heat transfer coefficients in a compact volume. This enables effective cooling without requiring a large cooling block, as the enhanced convective heat transfer compensates for the reduced surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cooling fluid by introducing high-frequency vibration and controlled pressure variations. This transforms ordinary fluid flow into synthetic jets with dramatically enhanced heat transfer properties, achieving high cooling capacity in a compact form factor.
3Power
If higher power lasers are used to increase imaging performance, then the imaging quality improves, but more heat is generated that requires cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic synthetic jet system provides scalable cooling capacity that can match the heat generation from high-power lasers. By adjusting the fluid flow rate and diaphragm vibration amplitude, the cooling system can be tuned to handle varying laser power levels and corresponding heat loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-frequency mechanical vibration of the diaphragm creates turbulent synthetic jet flows that dramatically enhance convective heat transfer. This enables the system to dissipate the large amounts of heat generated by high-power lasers, allowing improved imaging performance without thermal damage to the digital micromirror device.
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 provides a higher heat transfer rate and more efficient cooling, effectively maintaining the digital micromirror device within a safe temperature range, preventing damage and failure.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm that creates a force to move the airflow in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction of the airflow towards the second side of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for cooling a digital micromirror device are disclosed. For example, the apparatus includes a digital micromirror device (DMD), a housing coupled to the DMD, wherein a first side of the housing is coupled to a bottom of the DMD and a cooling block coupled to a second side of the housing that is opposite the first side. The cooling block includes a plate that includes a plurality of openings, a diaphragm coupled to the plate, an air inlet to generate an airflow across the plate, wherein the diaphragm creates a force to move the airflow in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction of the airflow towards the second side of the housing, and an air outlet to collect the airflow.