Projector Foreign Material Detection Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projectors are prone to reliability deterioration due to foreign materials on the optical path, which can cause temperature rises and affect performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection unit with a light emitting and receiving portion around the projector's opening to non-contactedly detect foreign materials on the optical path, allowing for immediate identification and prevention of temperature increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foreign material covering the opening is not detected, then the projector continues operating normally, but the reliability deteriorates due to temperature rise caused by the foreign material absorbing light
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit performs preliminary detection of foreign materials before they cause harmful temperature rise. By detecting foreign materials in advance and issuing warnings or stopping operation, the system prevents the accumulation of heat that would otherwise lead to reliability deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit provides feedback about the presence of foreign materials to the control unit, which then adjusts operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to foreign material presence by reducing light intensity or stopping operation, thereby preventing temperature-related reliability issues
2Area of stationary object
If the detection unit is disposed within the inside space, then the detection area is enlarged and the detection unit is protected from external dust, but the detection light path may be more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is nested within the inside space of the projector housing. The light emitting portion and light receiving portion are arranged in a compact configuration within the existing structural space, allowing the detection system to benefit from the housing structure while maintaining a manageable complexity level
3Area of stationary object
If multiple detection units are used to widen the detection area, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply adding more detection units in the same dimension, the invention utilizes the three-dimensional space within the projector housing by disposing the detection unit within the inside space. This spatial arrangement enlarges the effective detection area by utilizing the depth dimension of the housing rather than only the surface area
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 effectively prevents projector reliability deterioration by instantly detecting foreign materials and enabling appropriate measures to be taken, such as reducing light intensity and issuing warnings, thereby maintaining projector performance.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting portion which emits detection light, and a light receiving portion capable of receiving the detection light
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting portion which emits detection light, and a light receiving portion capable of receiving the detection light
Implementation Method 3
a reflection member having a reflection surface capable of reflecting light received from a light source device to guide the light toward the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes: an external case provided with an opening through which light passes; a projection system disposed within an inside space of the external case, wherein the projection system includes a reflection member having a reflection surface capable of reflecting light received from a light source device to guide the light toward the opening, and projects the light to the outside of the external case via the opening; and a detection unit which detects a foreign material existing on the optical path of the light in the area of light exit of the opening.