Projector Cooling System Dual Intake Duct Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional projectors face challenges in optimally cooling the power supply without increasing noise levels, especially when enhancing the electric power supplied to the light source, which leads to increased heating values and instability in the power supply's cooling efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The projector design incorporates a dual intake duct system, where the second intake duct with a larger cross-sectional area takes in outside air actively, and the first intake duct with a dustproof filter draws in less air, allowing for effective cooling of the power supply without increasing air flow, thus reducing noise and preventing dust from entering the optical system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the electric power supplied to the light source is increased to improve brightness, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the heating value of the power supply increases making it difficult to cool optimally

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidheating value of power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The air intake system is segmented into two separate ducts: a first intake duct with a dustproof filter for minimal air intake, and a second intake duct with a larger cross-sectional area for active outside air intake. This segmentation allows independent optimization of dust prevention and cooling functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the projector have different air intake qualities: the first intake duct provides filtered, dust-free air for areas requiring cleanliness, while the second intake duct provides abundant outside air for cooling the power supply and light source. Each region receives the appropriate air quality for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a dustproof filter is used in the first intake duct, then dust contamination is prevented, but the air flow for cooling is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust contaminationVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The air intake system is segmented into two separate ducts: a first intake duct with a dustproof filter for minimal air intake, and a second intake duct with a larger cross-sectional area for active outside air intake. This segmentation allows independent optimization of dust prevention and cooling functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second intake duct serves multiple functions: it provides abundant outside air for cooling the power supply and light source, and also supplies air to the exhaust fan. This multi-functionality ensures sufficient cooling air availability without compromising the dustproof function of the first duct.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If the cross-sectional area of the second intake duct is increased for better cooling, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidintake duct system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air intake system is segmented into two separate ducts: a first intake duct with a dustproof filter for minimal air intake, and a second intake duct with a larger cross-sectional area for active outside air intake. This segmentation allows independent optimization of dust prevention and cooling functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables optimal cooling of the power supply without increasing noise or allowing dust into the optical system, maintaining high-quality image projection and reducing the risk of dust contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a first intake duct 84 with a dustproof filter 84a

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a light modulator 10 that includes the image generating device 12 and an illuminating unit 20 that illuminates the image generating device 12

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a heat sink 13 that dissipates the heat that the image generating device gives off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

An exhaust fan 86 is placed behind the exhaust vent 85

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 5

the air that flows into the apparatus though the first intake duct 84 and the second intake duct 131 is exhausted through the exhaust vent 85 by the exhaust fan 86

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2824922B1Projector comprising a cooling system
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP2824922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2824922B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2824922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a projector (1) that includes a light source (61), an image forming unit (101), a projection optical unit (102), and a case (59) to contain the light source (61), the image forming unit (101), the projection optical unit (102), and the power supply (80), takes outside air in through a first intake duct (84) provided on the case (59), cools the power supply (80) by circulating the taken outside air to the power supply (80) circumventing the projection optical unit (102), and exhausts the air after cooling through an exhaust vent (85) provided on the case (59). A second intake duct (131) is provided nearby the power supply (80) compared to the first intake duct (84), and the amount of outside air drawn into the case (59) through the second intake duct (131) is larger than the amount of outside air drawn into the case (59) through the first intake duct (84).