Projection Apparatus with Two-Fluid Nozzles for Uniform Mist Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection technologies fail to maintain a uniform mist concentration in indoor spaces, leading to inadequate image or video projection as mist concentration can be too low, too high, or non-uniform, affecting visibility and the overall experience.

Innovation Solution

A projection apparatus utilizing multiple two-fluid nozzles that mix liquids with gases to create a controlled mist, with a controller regulating gas and liquid valves based on mist concentration measurements to maintain a predetermined visibility range, ensuring uniform mist distribution and optimal image/video projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If mist is sprayed into the indoor space to enable image projection, then visibility and projection quality are improved, but mist concentration becomes non-uniform or exceeds the desired range, degrading projection quality

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidmist concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously receives signals from the mist concentration measurer and adjusts the gas valve and liquid valve accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that mist concentration is maintained within the desired range, resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient visibility and preventing excessive or non-uniform mist concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the mist generation process by continuously modifying the operation of gas valve (15) and liquid valve (16) based on real-time concentration measurements. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal mist distribution throughout the indoor space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If multiple two-fluid nozzles are used to spray mist, then mist concentration can be increased for better projection, but uniform distribution of mist becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemist concentrationVSAvoiduniformity of mist distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the mist generation function across multiple two-fluid nozzles (11) distributed throughout the indoor space. Each nozzle independently generates mist that is then mixed with gas and dispersed throughout the space. This segmentation approach enables better control over mist distribution uniformity while achieving the required overall concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gas acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates uniform distribution of mist throughout the indoor space. The gas flows through the two-fluid nozzles, mixing with and carrying the liquid mist droplets to various locations, thereby achieving uniform distribution while maintaining adequate concentration levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If mist concentration is increased for better light scattering, then projection visibility is improved, but light blockage occurs reducing projection quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection visibilityVSAvoidlight blockage
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system precisely controls the mist concentration parameter within an optimal range, avoiding both insufficient concentration (which would reduce visibility) and excessive concentration (which would cause light blockage). The controller adjusts gas and liquid flow parameters to maintain concentration at the optimal level for light scattering without blockage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus achieves a uniform mist concentration within a desired range, enhancing the visibility and comfort of the indoor space for image or video projection, preventing light blockage and ensuring consistent visual recognition.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of two-fluid nozzles mixes a liquid with a gas, and sprays a mist in which the liquid is atomized.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 2

an image or a video is projected onto a screen through the indoor space, and light of the image or the video is scattered in the mist

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3722875B1Projection apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3722875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3722875B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3722875B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A projection apparatus includes a plurality of two-fluid nozzles, a projection-apparatus-side-gas-flow-path, a gas valve, a projection-apparatus-side-liquid-flow-path, a liquid valve, a projector, a mist concentration measurer, and a controller. The controller starts and stops spraying of a mist by controlling the gas valve and the liquid valve on the basis of an image or a video projected onto a screen from the projector. The controller receives a signal indicating a mist concentration from the mist concentration measurer, starts and stops spraying of the mist by controlling the gas valve and the liquid valve on the basis of the received signal, and thus controls the mist concentration.