Projector Optical Path Shifting Actuator Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectors face challenges in achieving high-speed response and maintaining image quality due to temperature-dependent liquid crystal material responsiveness and demagnetization issues in optical path shifting devices, which hinder the operation at high frequencies required for pseudo-high-resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
The projector incorporates a configuration with separate actuator positions for the optical path shifting module, including a thermoelectric conversion device and cooler to maintain liquid crystal panel temperature and prevent demagnetization, allowing for high-speed pixel shifting and improved image resolution by swinging the optical path changing member around multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the liquid crystal panel temperature is increased to improve responsiveness at high frequency operation, then the response speed improves, but the liquid crystal material becomes affected by environmental temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively adjusting the liquid crystal panel temperature to an appropriate level (e.g., 20-30°C) to optimize responsiveness. The temperature adjustment mechanism changes the thermal parameter of the liquid crystal material to achieve high-speed response while maintaining stability through controlled environment, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Productivity
If the magnet temperature increases during high-frequency operation, then the optical path shifting can be performed at higher frequencies, but demagnetization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnet from the direct thermal environment of the liquid crystal panel by positioning it in a separate location within the optical path shifting device. This spatial separation removes the harmful thermal influence on the magnet while allowing the system to operate at high frequencies, thus preventing demagnetization while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat diffuser as an intermediary component between the liquid crystal panel and the magnet. The heat diffuser transfers heat to and from the liquid crystal panel while diffusing the heat distribution, preventing direct thermal coupling with the magnet. This intermediary protects the magnet from temperature-induced demagnetization while enabling high-frequency operation.
3Measurement precision
If the optical path shifting device operates at high frequency to achieve pseudo-high-resolution imaging, then the image resolution improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the optical path shifting device to perform multiple functions: it shifts the optical path for high-resolution imaging, compensates for pixel position variations, and operates synchronously with the liquid crystal panel. This integrated approach achieves pseudo-high-resolution imaging without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single device accomplishes multiple objectives.
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 the projector to maintain high image quality and pseudo-high-resolution imaging even at low liquid crystal material responsiveness, suppressing performance deterioration from heat and demagnetization, thus achieving effective high-speed pixel shifting and improved image projection.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric conversion device for first light that transfers heat to and from the heat diffuser for first light
Implementation Method 2
a cooler for first light that cooperates with the heat diffuser for first light to sandwich the thermoelectric conversion device for first light and transfers heat to and from the thermoelectric conversion device for first light
Implementation Method 3
a heat diffuser for first light that extends from the liquid crystal panel for first light along the third axis, transfers heat to and from the liquid crystal panel for first light, and diffuses the received heat in the heat diffuser for light
Implementation Method 4
a first actuator that includes a first magnet and a first coil and swings the optical path changing member around a first swing axis along the first axis
Implementation Method 5
a second actuator that includes a second magnet and a second coil and swings the optical path changing member around a second swing axis along a third axis perpendicular to each of the first axis and the second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes first to third panel modules, a light combiner, a projection optics module, and an optical path shifting module that shifts the optical path of projection image light enters the projection optics module. The optical path shifting module includes an optical path changing member, a first actuator that swings the optical path changing member around a first swing axis, and a second actuator that swings the optical path changing member around a second swing axis. The first panel module includes a liquid crystal panel for first light, a heat diffuser for first light, a thermoelectric conversion device for first light, and a cooler for first light. The first actuator and the second actuator are each disposed at a position separate from a side end facing the optical path shifting module out of the side ends of the thermoelectric conversion device for first light.