LED Ripple Projector with Passive Cooling and RGBX Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ripple projectors rely on expensive and noisy Enhanced Metal Arc sources, which are limited to a single color temperature and not suitable for outdoor use due to their fragility and cooling requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of semi-conductor LEDs, such as white, UV, or RGBX color mixing LEDs, with passive cooling and a protective encasement, allowing for color control without filters or lenses, and integration with DMX and RDM controls for efficient and versatile lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If Enhanced Metal Arc sources are used to provide strong light output, then illumination intensity is improved, but the system generates excessive heat and requires noisy fan cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental light source technology from Enhanced Metal Arc to LED, representing a parameter change in the light generation mechanism. LEDs produce the same illumination intensity but with significantly reduced heat generation, eliminating the need for noisy fan cooling systems while maintaining strong light output for ripple effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan cooling system with a passive thermal management approach. By substituting the Enhanced Metal Arc source with LED technology, the system eliminates the need for active mechanical cooling, thereby removing noise-generating moving parts while still effectively managing heat dissipation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If Enhanced Metal Arc sources are used, then long-lasting lamp life is achieved, but the system is expensive and limited to single color temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using LED technology that can produce multiple color temperatures and colors through built-in color mixing capabilities. Unlike Enhanced Metal Arc sources limited to single color temperature, LEDs can dynamically adjust color output, providing both long lifespan and versatile color control for various lighting scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light source parameter from fixed color temperature (Enhanced Metal Arc) to variable color temperature (LED). This parameter change enables the system to maintain long lamp life while gaining the ability to vary color temperature and produce multiple colors without requiring additional filters or lenses.
3Temperature
If fans are installed for cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but background noise increases which is detrimental to theatre settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan cooling system with passive thermal management. By using LED light sources that generate less heat, the system eliminates the need for active mechanical cooling, thereby removing noise-generating moving parts while still effectively managing heat dissipation through passive means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the noisy fan cooling component from the system. By transitioning to LED technology with lower heat output, the system eliminates the need for fan-based cooling, thereby removing the source of background noise while maintaining adequate thermal management.
4Reliability
If traditional ripple projectors are designed for indoor use, then component protection is achieved, but the system cannot be used outdoors due to fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a projector system that functions reliably in both indoor and outdoor environments. The LED-based system with passive cooling and robust enclosure provides the versatility needed for outdoor use while maintaining component protection, unlike traditional indoor-only ripple projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a protective enclosure design that shields internal components from environmental elements such as rain and solid projectiles. This protective shell enables outdoor usage while maintaining the reliability and component protection necessary for sustained operation in unpredictable outdoor conditions.
5Adaptability or versatility
If colored filters or lenses are used to change light color, then color variety is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for colored filters and lenses from the system. By using LED technology with built-in color mixing capabilities, the system achieves color variety without requiring additional optical components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining versatile color output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of colored filters and lenses with an electronic color control system based on LED technology. This substitution eliminates moving parts and additional optical components, reducing device complexity while providing smooth color transitions and versatile color variety through electronic control.
6Illumination intensity
If multiple gobos are used to create substantial ripple effects, then lighting effect quality is improved, but the system requires precise alignment and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through DMX control systems that enable precise digital control of multiple gobos. This feedback mechanism allows for automated alignment and adjustment of multiple gobos to create substantial ripple effects, eliminating the need for manual precision alignment while maintaining high lighting effect quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of gobo positioning and rotation through DMX systems. This dynamic capability allows multiple gobos to be automatically adjusted and aligned in real-time, creating substantial ripple effects without requiring manual precision alignment, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining effect quality.
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 provides a cost-effective, long-life, and energy-efficient projector that can produce a wide range of colors, is quieter, and more durable for outdoor use, with improved dimming capabilities and protection from environmental elements.
Implementation Method 1
Instead of previously used Metal Arc systems, this system contains semi-conductor lighting devices, preferably LEDs
Implementation Method 2
The LEDs can be either white, UV, or RGBX color mixing
Implementation Method 3
Passive cooling techniques could be as basic as heatsinks, or utilize small pumps or economizers, all of which remove internal heat to the surrounding environment
Data Source
AI summary
This system relates to a projection fixture designed to create a rippling effect in a variety of colors. By using an RGBX color mixing technique, a variety of colors can be produced without the need for color filters which detract from the overall brightness of the beam. A passive cooling technique is also used which allows for silent operation of the projection fixture. Ripple effects may be created through the use of glass gobos that have the capabilities to rotate.