Light Transmissive Optical Element Module Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projector cooling systems using liquid refrigerants face challenges in quickly cooling the heat source due to the high specific heat of the refrigerant, leading to inefficiencies when the refrigerant temperature is higher than the suitable cooling temperature.

Innovation Solution

A light transmissive optical element module incorporating a heat diffuser with a vapor chamber that diffuses heat from a thermoelectric conversion device to a cooler, allowing for efficient heat dissipation through a Peltier device and a cooler, which can rapidly adjust the temperature of the liquid crystal panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If liquid refrigerant cooling is used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but cooling response time deteriorates due to high specific heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidcooling response time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling units, each equipped with its own thermoelectric conversion device. This allows localized and rapid cooling of specific optical elements without waiting for the entire liquid refrigerant system to reach optimal temperature, thus improving cooling response time while maintaining cooling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heat diffuser is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical element and the thermoelectric conversion device. The heat diffuser rapidly distributes heat from the optical element to the cooling unit, enabling faster heat transfer and improving cooling response time while maintaining effective heat removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If liquid refrigerant cooling is used, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid refrigerant system is extracted and replaced with solid-state thermoelectric conversion devices that convert electrical energy directly to cooling action. This eliminates the complexity of liquid circulation systems including pumps, tubes, and refrigerant management while maintaining effective heat dissipation capability through direct electrical control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical liquid refrigerant circulation system is replaced with an electrical field-based thermoelectric conversion system. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, fluid handling complexity, and thermal mass issues associated with liquid refrigerants, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving heat dissipation capability through direct electrical-to-thermal energy conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration enhances the cooling efficiency of the optical element by expanding the heat dissipation area and facilitating quick temperature adjustments, thereby improving the projector's performance and extending the life of the liquid crystal panels.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric conversion device that has a first surface in contact with the extension and a second surface disposed at a side opposite from the first surface, absorbs via the first surface the heat transferred from the extension, and dissipates the absorbed heat via the second surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

a heat diffuser that includes a contact section in contact with the heat transfer surface and an extension extending from the contact section and diffuses the received heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20240045253A1Light transmissive optical element module and electronic instrument

Publication Date: 2024.02.08 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A light transmissive optical element module includes an optical device having a light transmissive optical element that causes light incident thereon to exit and a heat transfer surface via which heat of the light transmissive optical element is transferred, a heat diffuser that includes a contact section in contact with the heat transfer surface and an extension extending from the contact section and diffuses the received heat, a thermoelectric conversion device that has a first surface in contact with the extension and a second surface disposed at a side opposite from the first surface, absorbs via the first surface the heat transferred from the extension, and dissipates the absorbed heat via the second surface, and a cooler in contact with the second surface.