Projector Cooling Layout Using Nested Heat Exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projectors face challenges in miniaturization due to inadequate cooling mechanism design, leading to insufficient reduction in width, depth, and height, and there is a need for a more efficient layout of components to enhance usability.
Innovation Solution
The projector design includes a light source unit, an image forming portion, a projection optical unit, a panel fan, a first heat exchanger for absorbing heat from the light modulation panel, and a second heat exchanger for dissipating heat, with a specific layout in the exterior housing to optimize cooling and reduce size, where the light source unit and heat exchangers are strategically positioned to overlap and intersect with the image forming unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed circulation type cooling mechanism is used, then cooling performance is improved, but the housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the first heat exchanger inside the image forming unit housing, and the second heat exchanger inside the exterior housing. This nested arrangement allows the cooling mechanism components to be embedded within existing structural spaces rather than adding external volume, thereby maintaining compact housing dimensions while achieving effective heat dissipation through the sealed circulation cooling system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions by positioning the light source unit and second heat exchanger at opposite sides of the image forming unit along a direction intersecting the projection optical axis. This three-dimensional layout optimizes heat dissipation pathways and component placement efficiency, enabling effective cooling performance without proportionally increasing the overall housing volume in any single dimension
2Ease of manufacture
If components are arranged in a conventional layout, then ease of manufacture is improved, but further miniaturization is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent departs from conventional linear or planar component layouts by arranging the light source unit, image forming unit, and second heat exchanger along a direction intersecting the projection optical axis (perpendicular to the projection direction). This three-dimensional spatial arrangement enables more efficient use of internal volume, allowing miniaturization in width, depth, and height directions while maintaining manufacturability through standardized housing structures
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 efficient cooling of the light modulation panels and the light source unit, allowing for a more compact projector size while maintaining effective cooling performance, thus addressing the miniaturization challenges and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger configured to absorb heat from the air flow heated by the light modulation panel
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger configured to dissipate the heat absorbed by the first heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a panel fan configured to flow an air flow to the light modulation panel
Data Source
AI summary
A projector according to the present disclosure includes: a light source unit; an image forming portion including a light modulation panel; a projection optical unit; a panel fan configured to flow an air flow to the light modulation panel; a first heat exchanger; an image forming unit housing the image forming portion, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan arranged in order in a case thereof; a second heat exchanger; an exterior housing housing at least the light source unit, the image forming unit and the second heat exchanger to constitute an exterior. The light source unit is disposed on one side of a first direction with respect to the image forming unit in the exterior housing, and the second heat exchanger is disposed on the other side of the first direction with respect to the image forming unit in the exterior housing.