Projector Light Source Thermal Control for Phosphor Quenching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies have not adequately addressed the issue of temperature quenching in wavelength conversion members used in light source devices for projectors, leading to reduced wavelength conversion efficiency and decreased color gamut due to high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A light source device with a temperature adjustment mechanism that includes a measurement unit to monitor the temperature of the wavelength conversion member, a controller to adjust the temperature based on the measured values, and a support member to dissipate heat effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the phosphor absorbs excitation light to generate fluorescence, then the light source device can project images, but the temperature of the wavelength conversion member rises causing temperature quenching and reduced conversion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength conversion efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature of wavelength conversion member

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A light guide member is introduced as an intermediary between the light emitting element and the wavelength conversion member. The light guide member transmits excitation light to the wavelength conversion member while being pressed against it with a pressing unit, enabling thermal conduction to cool the wavelength conversion member and prevent temperature quenching of fluorescence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A pressing unit applies mechanical pressure to press the light guide member against the wavelength conversion member. This pressing mechanism enhances thermal contact between the light guide member and wavelength conversion member, improving heat dissipation and preventing temperature rise that would cause fluorescence quenching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Illumination intensity

If the temperature of the wavelength conversion member increases, then heat is generated during fluorescence conversion, but the color gamut of the emitted fluorescence decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor gamut of fluorescenceVSAvoidtemperature of wavelength conversion member

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide member serves as a thermal intermediary that conducts heat away from the wavelength conversion member. By maintaining lower operating temperatures through this thermal conduction path, the color gamut of emitted fluorescence is preserved without degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A temperature measurement unit monitors the temperature of the wavelength conversion member and provides feedback to a control unit. The control unit adjusts the pressing force of the pressing unit based on temperature measurements, dynamically optimizing thermal management to maintain color gamut quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 temperature adjustment mechanism maintains optimal operating temperatures, enhancing wavelength conversion efficiency and preserving the color gamut of the projected image, thereby improving the quality of the projected image.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide member onto which the light emitted from the light emitting element is incident and which is configured to emit light... a support member configured to support the light guide member... a temperature adjustment unit configured to adjust the temperature of the light guide member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a pressing unit configured to press the light guide member against the support member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a measurement unit configured to measure a characteristic value correlated with a temperature of the light guide member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature measurement: Thermography

Implementation Method 4

a controller configured to acquire the characteristic value measured by the measurement unit, and control the temperature adjustment unit based on the characteristic value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal regulation: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS20250392685A1Light source device and projector

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A light source device according to the present disclosure includes a light source unit including a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light guide member onto which the light emitted from the light emitting element is incident and which is configured to emit light, a support member configured to support the light guide member, a pressing unit configured to press the light guide member against the support member, a measurement unit configured to measure a characteristic value correlated with a temperature of the light guide member, a controller configured to acquire the characteristic value measured by the measurement unit, and a temperature adjustment unit configured to adjust the temperature of the light guide member, wherein the controller controls the temperature adjustment unit based on the characteristic value.