Light Valve Module Moisture Sealing with Elastic Pad

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light valve devices, such as digital micro-mirror devices, are prone to moisture infiltration through gaps between components, which disrupts their normal operation.

Innovation Solution

A light valve module is designed with a first and second shell forming a containing space, an elastic pad for sealing between the shells, and a sealant around the opening to prevent moisture entry, ensuring the light valve remains dry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional light valve is assembled with multiple components (substrate, reflective layer, supporting layer, transparent plate) in a laminating manner, then the device can achieve its optical function, but gaps among components allow moisture infiltration that disrupts normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenormal operation of light valveVSAvoidmoisture infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using an elastic seal ring that flexibly seals the gap between the flange and the housing. The elastic material deforms to conform to the mating surfaces, creating an effective moisture barrier without requiring rigid precision machining. This flexible sealing approach prevents moisture infiltration while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by introducing a seal ring as an intermediary element between the flange and the housing. This seal ring acts as a mediator that specifically addresses the moisture infiltration problem by filling the gap between components, while allowing the optical components to remain in their functional positions without direct modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If optical components are laminated together to form a light valve, then the optical function is achieved, but the assembly creates gaps that facilitate moisture entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaminating assembly of optical componentsVSAvoidprotection from moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by separating the sealing function from the optical function. The light valve optical components (substrate, reflective layer, supporting layer, transparent plate) are segmented from the sealing structure (flange with seal ring). This allows the optical components to be manufactured and assembled using simple lamination techniques, while the sealing function is independently provided by the flange and seal ring assembly, preventing moisture infiltration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple laminating structure is used for the light valve, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but moisture can easily infiltrate through component gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing cost of projection deviceVSAvoidmoisture infiltration through gaps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a simple elastic seal ring that provides effective moisture protection without complex manufacturing. The elastic seal ring can be easily installed on the flange and requires no complex assembly procedures, maintaining the simplicity and low cost of the laminating structure while adding robust moisture protection against infiltration through component gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively seals the light valve module, preventing moisture from entering and ensuring the normal operation of the device by using an elastic pad and sealant to create a moisture-proof barrier between the shells.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic pad for sealing the containing space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a sealant adhered at a periphery of the opening and the light valve for sealing the containing space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9285580B2Projection device and light valve module thereof

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 YOUNG OPTICS

AI summary

A light valve module including a first shell, a second shell, a light valve, an elastic pad and a sealant is provided. The first shell has an opening. The second shell is assembled to the first shell. The first shell and the second shell form a containing space therebetween. The light valve is disposed in the containing space and is exposed by the opening. The elastic pad is disposed between the first shell and the second shell for sealing the containing space. The sealant is adhered at a periphery of the opening and the light valve for sealing the containing space. In addition, a projection device having the light valve module is also provided.