Liquid Crystal Panel Thermal Diffuser With Thermoelectric Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projector systems face challenges in quickly adjusting the temperature of liquid crystal panels, leading to reduced responsiveness and image degradation due to the slow cooling effect of liquid refrigerants and the difficulty in maintaining optimal temperature for image formation.

Innovation Solution

A temperature adjustment apparatus incorporating a thermoelectric conversion device and a thermal diffuser, where the thermoelectric conversion device is in contact with the liquid crystal panel module, and a control unit executes warming and cooling processes to adjust the temperature by supplying or absorbing heat through the thermal diffuser, ensuring the liquid crystal panel operates within a suitable temperature range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If liquid refrigerant cooling is used for the liquid crystal panel, then cooling efficiency is improved, but temperature adjustment responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into two independent paths: a first cooling unit with high heat capacity for bulk temperature reduction, and a second cooling unit with fast response for precise temperature control. This segmentation allows each unit to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heat exchange unit acts as an intermediary between the liquid crystal panel and the two cooling units. This intermediary distributes heat to both cooling paths, enabling coordinated operation where the first cooling unit handles large-scale cooling and the second provides rapid fine-tuning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If liquid refrigerant cooling is used for the liquid crystal panel, then cooling effect is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is divided into two functional segments: a first cooling unit for achieving the target temperature through high heat capacity cooling, and a second cooling unit for maintaining precise temperature control around the target. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between strong cooling effect and precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first cooling unit applies excessive cooling action to quickly reach and overshoot the target temperature, while the second cooling unit applies partial, fine-adjusted cooling to precisely maintain the target temperature. This partial/excessive action strategy enables both strong cooling effect and precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Temperature

If liquid crystal panel temperature is lowered for cooling, then overheating is prevented, but liquid crystal responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverheating preventionVSAvoidliquid crystal responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

A temperature detection unit continuously monitors the liquid crystal panel temperature and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of both cooling units, ensuring the temperature stays within the optimal range that prevents overheating while maintaining liquid crystal responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system transitions from static to dynamic operation, where the first cooling unit operates intensely to reach target temperature, then both units dynamically adjust their cooling intensity based on real-time temperature feedback. This dynamic adjustment maintains temperature in the optimal range for liquid crystal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for rapid temperature adjustments of the liquid crystal panel, enhancing responsiveness and image quality by actively managing heat transfer, thus preventing overheating and maintaining the panel within optimal operational temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric conversion device in contact with the liquid crystal panel module... the thermoelectric conversion device has a first surface in contact with the extending portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoelectric conversion: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

a thermal diffuser having a contact portion in contact with the liquid crystal panel and an extending portion extending from the contact portion and diffusing received heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4321928A1Temperature adjustment apparatus and control apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4321928A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4321928A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4321928A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A temperature adjustment apparatus adjusting a temperature of a liquid crystal panel module, includes a thermoelectric conversion device in contact with the liquid crystal panel module, and a control unit controlling the thermoelectric conversion device, wherein the liquid crystal panel module includes a thermal diffuser having a contact portion in contact with a liquid crystal panel and an extending portion extending from the contact portion and diffusing received heat, the thermoelectric conversion device has a first surface in contact with the extending portion, and a second surface at an opposite side to the first surface, and the control unit is configured to execute warming processing of supplying heat to the thermal diffuser using the thermoelectric conversion device and warming the liquid crystal panel by the heat diffused in the thermal diffuser, and cooling processing of absorbing the heat of the liquid crystal panel transferred to the thermal diffuser.