Phosphor Cooling Structure with Ducted Airflow for Laser Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting optical systems with phosphor units face reduced light-emitting efficiency due to heat generation from laser light irradiation, which affects illuminance, and require improved cooling methods to maintain light output.
Innovation Solution
A cooling structure incorporating a phosphor unit with a substrate, an air-blowing system, and a duct structure that guides cooling air to the phosphor unit, including constricted and wider flow paths to enhance cooling efficiency, and a heat exchanger to manage heated air, ensuring effective heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If phosphor is irradiated by laser light to generate fluorescent light, then illuminance is improved, but heat generation increases and light-emitting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by converting the harmful heat generated by laser irradiation into a manageable thermal flow. The cooling air flow system captures the heat that would otherwise reduce efficiency and directs it through structured paths (ducts and flow paths) to specific cooling regions, transforming waste heat into a controlled thermal management process that maintains phosphor performance
2Temperature
If phosphor unit rotates to receive air flow for cooling, then cooling effect is improved, but cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling function into multiple segments: a first cooling region with a first air-blowing apparatus and first flow path, and a second cooling region with a second air-blowing apparatus and second flow path. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each cooling zone, directing cooling air precisely to high-heat-generation areas without relying solely on rotation-based convection
Solution Approach 2:
The air-blowing apparatuses are positioned to deliver cooling air to the phosphor unit before excessive heat accumulation occurs. The duct structure pre-configures the cooling air flow paths to target specific regions (including the irradiation spot and peripheral areas) proactively, preventing temperature rise rather than merely responding to it
3Temperature
If cooling air is directed to phosphor unit without duct structure, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The duct structure serves as an intermediary component between the air-blowing apparatuses and the phosphor unit. It mediates the cooling air flow by shaping and directing it through defined paths to specific cooling regions, ensuring efficient heat removal while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The duct structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides cooling air from different air-blowing apparatuses, defines flow paths for both first and second cooling regions, and structures the air delivery to maximize cooling efficiency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each cooling task
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 cooling structure effectively reduces heat-related efficiency losses in the phosphor unit, maintaining high illuminance over time by improving the cooling effect and preventing excessive heating during excitation light irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
a phosphor unit that includes a substrate and a phosphor that is formed on the substrate and that emits fluorescent light by the irradiation of excitation light
Implementation Method 2
an air-blowing system that causes cooling air to flow... a duct structure that guides cooling air from the air-blowing system to the phosphor unit
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling structure includes a phosphor unit, air-blowing systems that cause cooling air to flow, and a duct structure. The phosphor unit includes a substrate and a phosphor that is formed on the substrate and that emits fluorescent light when irradiated with excitation light. The duct structure guides the cooling air blown from the air-blowing systems to the phosphor unit.