Projector Dimming Device Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Projectors with dimming devices that use grease for lubrication face issues with proper operation in low-temperature environments due to grease hardening, leading to ineffective dimming and contrast perception problems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a temperature detection system that initializes and controls the dimming device only when the internal temperature of the projector reaches a predetermined level, ensuring the lubricant is effective and preventing grease hardening, which allows for proper dimming control and improved contrast perception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If grease is applied to the dimming device to enable smooth rotation of the light-shielding member, then the ease of operation is improved, but under low-temperature conditions the grease hardens causing the reliability to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth rotation of light-shielding memberVSAvoidproper operation of dimming device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control section delays initialization of the dimming device until the projector has been operating long enough for the grease to reach appropriate temperature. This preliminary waiting action ensures the grease is in proper condition before attempting to operate the light-shielding member, preventing initialization failures in cold environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (initialization timing) based on temperature conditions. By monitoring operation time and inferring temperature state, the control section adjusts when initialization occurs, ensuring it only happens when grease viscosity is appropriate for proper mechanical operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If initialization is performed immediately when the projector is turned on, then the productivity is improved, but in low-temperature environments the grease is hardened causing the reliability to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of starting dimming controlVSAvoidproper dimming function

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control section performs a preliminary check of operating conditions (operation time threshold) before initiating initialization. This ensures that even though initialization is delayed, it occurs as soon as conditions permit, minimizing impact on productivity while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control section continuously monitors the operation time of the projector and uses this feedback to determine when initialization should occur. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adapt initialization timing to environmental conditions without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the dimming device is controlled in a low-temperature state, then the ease of operation is improved, but the grease hardening causes the light-shielding member to not rotate properly leading to loss of function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of dimming deviceVSAvoidgrease hardening effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control section takes preliminary anti-action by preventing initialization attempts during the period when grease temperature is insufficient. By blocking initialization until the operation time threshold is met (indicating adequate warming), the system counteracts the harmful hardening effect before it can cause operational failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The control section acts as an intermediary between the user's operation requests and the dimming device. It mediates by intercepting initialization commands and delaying execution until grease conditions are appropriate, translating user intent into conditionally-timed device activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures the dimming device operates correctly by delaying initialization until the temperature is suitable, reducing the frequency of unnecessary reinitializations and maintaining image quality by preventing dimming issues caused by grease hardening.

Implementation Method 1

Generally, grease (lubricant) is applied to such a dimming device in order to smoothly rotate the light-shielding member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

a temperature detection section that detects an internal temperature of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal detection: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentUS8764200B2Projector and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A projector includes a dimming device that moves a light-shielding member for shielding light to adjust the amount of light emitted from a light source, a housing that accommodates the dimming device, a temperature detection section that detects an internal temperature of the housing, and a control section that controls an adjustment state of the amount of light through the dimming device. The control section starts a control of the dimming device when the temperature detected by the temperature detection section is set to equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.