Projection Apparatus Cooling via Segmented Airflow Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection devices face challenges in heat dissipation efficiency due to thermal expansion of the projection lens, which affects image quality, as the air inlet location on the bottom cover results in high flow resistance and limited cold air entry, leading to poor heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A projection apparatus design with a casing that includes multiple air inlets and outlets strategically positioned to allow for separate heat dissipation paths for each light source module, with thermal modules and fans configured to exhaust heat efficiently and cool the projection lens before it reaches the thermal modules, thereby improving heat dissipation and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air inlet is located on the bottom cover of the casing, then the heat dissipation path for the projection lens is established, but the high flow resistance at the bottom cover limits cold air entry, resulting in poor heat dissipation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air inlet function into two separate locations: the bottom cover air inlet (first air inlet) positioned in front of the projection lens, and the rear cover air inlet (second air inlet) positioned in the first area. This segmentation allows each inlet to serve specific cooling purposes independently, with the bottom cover inlet providing lens cooling and the rear cover inlet providing light source cooling, thereby overcoming the flow resistance limitation of a single bottom cover inlet.
2Temperature
If the light source is located in the upstream of the flow field, then the light source heat dissipation is improved, but the hot air flows through the projection lens causing thermal expansion and focal length drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates two separate airflow paths: one path through the bottom cover inlet for cooling the projection lens, and another path through the rear cover inlet for cooling the light source. The first fan and second fan respectively control these paths, ensuring that hot air from the light source does not flow through the projection lens, thus preventing thermal expansion while maintaining effective heat dissipation for both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fans as intermediary devices to control and direct airflow. The first fan positioned in front of the projection lens and the second fan positioned at the rear cover actively manage the airflow paths, separating the cooling streams for the lens and light source, thereby preventing harmful hot air flow through the lens while maintaining cooling efficiency.
3Temperature
If multiple air inlets and outlets are strategically positioned, then separate heat dissipation paths for each light source module are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom cover air inlet serves dual functions: it provides cooling air to the projection lens and also contributes to the overall heat dissipation system. The rear cover air inlet similarly serves multiple purposes by providing cooling air to the light source and maintaining pressure balance in the system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 enhances heat dissipation efficiency by exhausting heat from light source modules through distinct paths, preventing thermal expansion of the projection lens and maintaining image quality by ensuring the lens is cooled before heat exchange occurs.
Implementation Method 1
the fan is configured to generate forced convection to bring outside cold air into the interior of the projection apparatus
Implementation Method 2
the thermal fins are thermally coupled to a heat source (e.g., a light source and a light valve)
Implementation Method 3
the cold air exchanges heat inside the projection apparatus to form hot air
Implementation Method 4
the hot air flows through the projection lens, resulting in poor heat dissipation and thermal expansion of the projection lens, causing the focal length to drift
Data Source
AI summary
A projection apparatus includes a casing, a projection lens, a first and a second light source modules, a first and a second thermal modules respectively thermally coupled to the first and the second light source modules, and a first and a second fans. The casing includes a bottom cover having a first air inlet corresponding to the projection lens, a front cover, a rear cover having a second air inlet, a first and a second side covers, which define an internal space divided into a first and a second areas. The first air inlet is connected to the internal space. A first air outlet of the first side cover and the second air inlet are connected to the first area. The first and the second light source modules, the first and the second thermal modules, and the first and the second fans are disposed in the first area.