Light Valve Cooling System with Predictive Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for reflective spatial light modulating devices in projectors fail to effectively control temperature, leading to premature degradation due to temperature overshoots and undershoots, especially with increasing lumen output requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that includes sensors to measure temperature and light absorption, a controller to adjust heat transfer devices based on these measurements, and a thermal model to maintain optimal temperature gradients, allowing for adaptive control and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If higher lumen output is required, then brightness is improved, but temperature control stability deteriorates due to increased heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a thermal model to predict future temperature changes before they occur. The controller anticipates temperature overshoots and undershoots by calculating expected temperature changes based on current operating conditions, allowing proactive adjustment of cooling power rather than reactive response to temperature deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring actual temperature measurements from sensors and comparing them with predicted temperatures from the thermal model. The controller adjusts the cooling device power based on the difference between actual and predicted temperatures, creating a closed-loop system that stabilizes temperature control despite varying heat generation from high lumen output operation.
2Device complexity
If conventional cooling control is used, then simplicity is maintained, but temperature overshoots occur causing premature degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal model performs preliminary calculations to predict temperature changes before they happen, allowing the controller to preemptively adjust cooling power. This prevents temperature overshoots that would otherwise cause premature degradation of the light valve, extending its lifespan without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from simple on/off or proportional cooling control to predictive control based on calculated temperature changes. By using the thermal model to compute expected temperature deviations and adjusting cooling power accordingly, the system achieves better reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity through software-based control logic.
3Speed
If temperature control is adjusted reactively, then response time is reduced, but temperature undershoots occur reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal model enables preliminary prediction of temperature changes, allowing the controller to adjust cooling power in advance. This proactive approach maintains appropriate temperature control without excessive cooling activation, preventing energy waste from temperature undershoots while preserving fast response capability when actual temperature deviations occur.
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 precise temperature control, reduces the risk of premature degradation, and extends the lifespan of light valves by anticipating and mitigating temperature changes, while also being energy-efficient and adaptable to different illumination conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor for measuring a first temperature of a first part of the light valve
Implementation Method 2
at least one active heating and/or cooling device to transfer heat between the light valve or spatial light modulator and a heat source and/or sink
Implementation Method 3
means for determining the amount of light absorbed by the light valve or spatial light modulator
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for controlling the temperature of a light valve of a projection system, the light valve being illuminated by a light source, the cooling system including a first sensor for measuring a first temperature of a first part of the light valve, at least one active heating and/or cooling device to transfer heat between the light valve and a heat source and/or sink, a controller for controlling the temperature of the light valve with the at least one active heating and/or cooling device according to the first temperature with respect to a reference temperature. The cooling system further includes a sensor for determining the amount of light absorbed by the light valve, and where the controller is further configured to control the active heating and/or cooling device based on the amount of light absorbed by the light valve.