Image Projector Operating Unit Cooling via Exhaust Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image projection apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a low temperature for the operating unit when it is positioned above or just above the light source, due to heat conduction and natural convection from the high-temperature light source, leading to increased operating unit temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with a specific air flow path that directs heated air from the light source towards an exhaust port, using an air intake and exhaust system to prevent heated air from colliding with the operating unit, and positions the light source and image forming section in a direction parallel to the projection plane to minimize space usage and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating unit is disposed above or just above the light source for ease of operation, then the user can readily operate the apparatus, but the operating unit temperature increases due to heat conduction and natural convection from the high-temperature light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful hot air rising from the light source by providing a separate exhaust port above the light source that communicates with the exterior. This exhaust port specifically removes the hot air before it can reach the operating unit, thereby separating the heat removal function from the general cooling system and protecting the operating unit from thermal damage while maintaining its accessible position above the light source
2Temperature
If air is supplied to cool the light source, then the light source temperature is reduced, but heated air flows upward by natural convection and collides with the operating unit disposed above the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful natural convection current of heated air into a beneficial cooling mechanism by positioning the exhaust port to capture and remove this rising hot air. The exhaust port transforms the unwanted thermal convection that would otherwise heat the operating unit into a controlled air flow path that efficiently removes heat from the light source while protecting sensitive components
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust port acts as an intermediary element between the light source cooling system and the operating unit environment. It intercepts the heated air flow generated by light source cooling and redirects it to the exterior, preventing direct contact between hot air and the operating unit while maintaining effective light source cooling
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 effectively suppresses the increase in temperature of the operating unit by redirecting heated air and using a concave-shaped curved mirror to enhance airflow, ensuring efficient cooling and reducing the apparatus's footprint.
Implementation Method 1
ambient air is taken in from an intake port provided to the apparatus by an air supplying unit such as a blower or a fan, the air taken in is supplied to a light source to cool the light source
Implementation Method 2
air heated by the light source flows upward by air supplied from an air supplying unit and its ascending air current
Implementation Method 3
heat from the light source is conducted toward the operating unit by thermal conduction
Data Source
AI summary
An image projection apparatus (1) for projecting an image using light includes a light source (61) configured to emit the light; and an operating unit (83) configured to allow a user to operate the image projection apparatus (1), the operating unit (83) being disposed above the light source (61) when viewed from a placement surface on which a main body of the image projection apparatus (1) is placed. The image projection apparatus (1) also includes a first flow path in which air flows through the light source (61); and a second flow path different from the first flow path, the second flow path being formed between the light source (61) and the operating unit (83).