Compact Projector System Using Conduction Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection devices are bulky due to the need for sufficient space for light sources and cooling mechanisms, limiting their portability and compactness.

Innovation Solution

A miniature projection system utilizing microcircuitry for image and control data processing, stored in a small rectangular enclosure with conduction cooling, allowing for wireless or wired networking and supporting various data standards, enabling compact projection without active cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional light sources and cooling mechanisms are used in projection devices, then sufficient cooling and light projection are achieved, but the device size becomes large and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcooling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fan-based cooling system with a passive conduction cooling system using thermally conductive materials and heat sinks. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reduces device volume, while maintaining effective heat dissipation through direct thermal conduction paths from the light source to the heat sink structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the cooling mechanism from active (fan-driven convection) to passive (conduction-based), and modifies the light source parameters by using LED or laser diodes instead of traditional bulbs. These parameter changes enable compact device design while maintaining reliability through efficient heat management and lower operating temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If microcircuitry is used for data processing and storage, then device compactness is improved, but processing speed and storage capacity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions (data processing, image rendering, control logic, and storage) into integrated microcircuit modules. This consolidation reduces device volume by eliminating separate components for each function, while the circuits are designed to maintain adequate processing speed and storage capacity for projection applications through optimized architecture and component selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution achieves compactness without compromising storage capacity, speed, or image quality, providing a versatile, low-power, silent, and adaptable projection device suitable for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

Conduction cooling provided by a heat-conducting substrate provides sufficient cooling such that there is no need for a fan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11539923B2Projector system

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 ATCHISON NICKEY JOE

AI summary

The invention is a small, low-power consuming, projector system. Once programmed and provided with image data, it can be a standalone system for presenting varying length, silent, videos. Its programmability and FPGA-based micro-circuitry allows it to be repurposed with minimal effort to support other embedded-light-system applications.