Projector Arc Tube Cooling via Three-Port Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices for projectors, which use discharge-type arc tubes, face issues with temperature-related degradation due to inadequate cooling, leading to reduced efficiency and lifespan, particularly in maintaining the arc tube's transparency and luminance.
Innovation Solution
A light source device with a housing that includes three delivery ports for cooling air, where the central port is aligned with the arc tube's optical axis, and the side ports are symmetrically inclined, creating a turbulent flow that effectively cools the arc tube by ensuring stable and linear airflow, regardless of the device's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling air is supplied through a single upper introduction port, then the arc tube can be cooled, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient to maintain optimal temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The single upper introduction port is divided into three separate delivery ports arranged side by side. The central delivery port is positioned aligned with the optical axis of the arc tube, while the two side delivery ports are positioned at the left and right sides. This segmentation allows cooling air to be supplied from multiple locations simultaneously, improving the overall cooling efficiency and temperature distribution across the arc tube surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The three delivery ports are positioned at specific locations to provide localized cooling where needed. The central port addresses the upper region directly above the arc tube, while the side ports address the lateral regions. This localized approach ensures that each area of the arc tube receives appropriate cooling attention, maintaining optimal temperature distribution throughout the light emission portion.
2Temperature
If the duct member is made long to reach the arc tube, then cooling coverage is improved, but the air flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the duct member lengthwise to reach the arc tube, the invention positions the three delivery ports in a横向 (horizontal) arrangement above the arc tube. This dimensional change allows cooling air to be delivered directly to multiple points along the arc tube's length without requiring long duct passages, thereby reducing air flow resistance while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage.
3Productivity
If the fan size or voltage is increased to improve cooling, then cooling efficiency improves, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air flow is segmented into three separate streams from the three delivery ports, allowing the existing fan to distribute air more effectively across multiple targeted locations. This segmentation improves cooling efficiency without requiring an increase in fan size or power consumption, as the same air flow is simply directed to multiple points simultaneously.
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 enhances cooling efficiency, prolongs the lifespan of the arc tube, and maintains image light luminance for a longer period, regardless of the projector's position, while minimizing the need for increased fan size or voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a housing that houses the reflector to form a space through which cooling air for cooling the arc tube flows
Implementation Method 2
a discharge-type arc tube such as an extra-high pressure mercury lamp
Implementation Method 3
a discharge-type arc tube such as an extra-high pressure mercury lamp
Data Source
AI summary
A light source includes an arc tube having a light emission portion for emitting light. A reflector reflects the light toward an illumination receiving area with the arc tube fixed to the reflector. A housing houses the reflector to form a space through which cooling air flows. The housing has three delivery ports disposed side by side as ports from each of which the cooling air is delivered toward the direction of the light emission portion. A first delivery port included in the three delivery ports is located such that the center of the first delivery port is disposed substantially at a position aligned and runs parallel to the optical axis of the arc tube. Second and third delivery ports included in the three delivery ports are disposed in the vicinity of one and the other sides of a first delivery port, respectively, with respect to the optical axis.