Optical Device Holding Section Annular Liquid Cooling Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector designs face inefficiencies in cooling optical elements due to liquid circulation tube configurations that surround the image forming area in only three directions, leading to insufficient cooling, increased device size, and high pressure requirements, which can result in liquid volatilization and leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a holding section that includes an inflow part, a flow channel forming part with an annular shape along the circumferential edge of the optical element, and an outflow part, allowing efficient liquid circulation to cool the optical element by reducing intervening members and optimizing heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the liquid circulation tube is made thicker to increase the flow rate, then the cooling performance is improved, but the optical element holder and optical device grow in size
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is integrated into the holding section structure itself rather than being a separate tube. The holding section includes a flow channel forming part that creates a passage for liquid circulation, merging the holding function and cooling function into a single integrated component, thereby avoiding the need for separate thick circulation tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel is formed within the internal structure of the holding section. The channel forming part creates a passage that is nested within the holding section body, allowing liquid to circulate through the optical element while maintaining a compact overall structure without external thick tubes
2Temperature
If the number of bending parts of the liquid circulation tube is increased to surround the image forming area in four directions, then the cooling performance is improved, but the difficulty in working the tube increases and high pressure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is formed as an integral part of the holding section structure rather than being a separate flexible tube requiring bending. The channel forming part is molded or machined directly into the holding section, eliminating the need for separate tube bending operations and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of bending a separate tube to create the circulation path, the invention inverts the approach by forming the circulation path directly within the rigid holding section structure. This reverses the traditional method of creating flow paths and eliminates the need for complex tube bending
3Temperature
If the number of bending parts of the liquid circulation tube is increased, then the cooling performance is improved, but the pressure loss increases causing liquid volatilization and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is integrated into the holding section as a single continuous passage without separate connection points requiring bending. This integration eliminates multiple joints and bends that would create leakage points, maintaining system reliability while achieving comprehensive cooling coverage
4Device complexity
If the liquid circulation tube is configured to surround the image forming area in three directions, then the device structure is simplified, but the cooling becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel provides cooling coverage in multiple directions including vertically above and below the optical element, adding a vertical dimension to the cooling coverage. This multi-directional approach from the integrated holding section structure achieves comprehensive four-directional cooling without requiring complex separate tube configurations
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 effectively suppresses the rise in temperature of the optical element, reduces device size and manufacturing costs, and minimizes liquid leakage and volatilization, enabling the projector to maintain optical characteristics and project bright, high-quality images for a longer period with reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid can be circulated through the flow channel. Thus, the optical element generating the heat due to the incident light is efficiently cooled
Implementation Method 2
the liquid having flowed through the flow channel outflows to the outside of the holding section
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a light modulation device disposed on an optical axis of incident light, and a holding section configured to hold the light modulation device. The holding section includes an inflow part to which a liquid supplied from an outside of the holding section inflows, a flow channel forming part disposed along a circumferential edge of the light modulation device so as to have an annular shape, and having a flow channel through which the liquid flowed from the inflow part circulates, and an outflow part from which the liquid having flowed through the flow channel outflows to the outside of the holding section.