Phosphor Wheel Centrifugal Cooling Fin Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phosphor wheels in projection-type image display devices face challenges in effectively cooling the phosphor layer, leading to potential degradation due to heat generated by laser light, which existing techniques do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A phosphor wheel design featuring a substrate with a phosphor layer on one main surface and a fin structure on the opposite surface, where the fin is positioned closer to the center than the phosphor layer, and an open portion is located between the phosphor layer and the fin to facilitate air cooling, utilizing centrifugal airflow to direct cooling air towards the phosphor layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional phosphor wheel structure is used, then the device is simple in structure, but the phosphor layer cannot be effectively cooled leading to heat degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is segmented from the conventional simple structure by adding a fin structure. The fin is divided into multiple segments radially arranged on the back surface of the substrate, creating multiple cooling channels that direct air flow to different regions of the phosphor layer, thereby improving cooling effectiveness without requiring a completely complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling approach transitions from a single-plane structure to a three-dimensional configuration. The fin extends in the thickness direction of the substrate and projects toward the phosphor layer, creating a spatial cooling path that efficiently removes heat from the phosphor layer without increasing the overall footprint of the device
2Temperature
If cooling structures are added to the phosphor wheel, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it supports the phosphor layer on its front surface and simultaneously provides mounting for the fin structure on its back surface. The rotation unit rotates the entire assembly, and the fin structure serves both as a mechanical component and as a cooling element that directs air flow, thereby achieving effective heat dissipation without adding separate dedicated cooling components that would increase size
3Temperature
If the fin is positioned closer to the center than the phosphor layer, then centrifugal cooling is enhanced, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation unit rotates the phosphor wheel, and this rotation itself generates the centrifugal force that drives air flow through the fin structure. The system uses its own motion to create the cooling effect, eliminating the need for separate cooling fans or external airflow generation devices. The fin structure automatically directs this self-generated airflow toward the phosphor layer through the open portions, achieving effective cooling without additional complex control mechanisms
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 design effectively cools the phosphor layer, reducing the risk of degradation, minimizing device size, and reducing the load on the motor, while maintaining efficient heat dissipation properties.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing centrifugal airflow to direct cooling air towards the phosphor layer
Implementation Method 2
emits light when laser light (excitation light) is applied from a laser light source
Data Source
AI summary
A phosphor wheel includes: a substrate having a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and an open portion; a phosphor layer provided on the first main surface; and a fin provided on the second main surface. The fin is nearer a center of the substrate than the phosphor layer is, and the open portion is located between the phosphor layer and the fin.