Projection Optical Apparatus Reflector Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Short-focal-length projectors face image quality deterioration due to mirror deformation caused by locally high illuminance, leading to partial shift of projected image light.

Innovation Solution

A projection optical apparatus with a reflector having a heat dissipation member, including a protruding heat pipe, to manage temperature and prevent deformation of the reflection mirror, ensuring stable image projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a concave mirror is used to enlarge the image in a short-focal-length projector, then the projected image size is increased, but the mirror deforms due to locally high illuminance causing image quality deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojected image sizeVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of concentrated light into a beneficial cooling mechanism. The reflection layer absorbs light energy and converts it to heat, which is then conducted through the base to the heat dissipation member. This transforms the problematic heat generation into a controlled thermal management system that prevents mirror deformation while maintaining image enlargement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The base acts as an intermediary component between the reflection layer and the heat dissipation member. It conducts heat from the reflection layer through its thickness and transfers it to the heat dissipation member, serving as a thermal bridge that enables efficient heat removal while maintaining the structural integrity of the mirror assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the mirror surface is exposed to high illuminance to achieve short focal length projection, then the projector compactness is improved, but heat accumulation causes mirror deformation and pixel shift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal lengthVSAvoidmirror temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror assembly is segmented into functionally distinct components: a reflection layer for optical reflection, a base for thermal conduction, and a heat dissipation member for heat removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to manage thermal loads in the compact projector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipation member is positioned at the back surface of the base, creating a localized thermal management system. This local quality approach concentrates cooling capacity where heat generation is most intense, efficiently managing temperature at the mirror surface without requiring overall system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If the reflection layer absorbs light energy to maintain reflectivity, then the optical efficiency is improved, but heat generation increases causing thermal deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical efficiencyVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation system operates continuously to remove heat generated by the reflection layer. The thermal conduction through the base and heat dissipation at the back surface creates a continuous heat removal process that matches the continuous heat generation from light absorption, maintaining thermal balance and preventing deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention addresses heat management by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface reflection problem to a three-dimensional thermal conduction problem. Heat is conducted through the thickness of the base (z-dimension) and dissipated at the back surface, adding a thermal management dimension that resolves the heat generation issue while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution effectively suppresses pixel shift and maintains high-quality image projection by efficiently dissipating heat from the reflection mirror, even with uneven illuminance distributions.

Implementation Method 1

a heat dissipation member provided at the second surface of the base and including a protrusion protruding from the second surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a reflection layer provided at the first surface of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240027729A1Projection optical apparatus and projector

Publication Date: 2024.01.25 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A projection optical apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an optical system that image light enters, a reflector that reflects the image light that exits out of the optical system, and an enclosure that houses the optical system and at least part of the reflector, and the reflector includes a base having a first surface on which the image light is incident and a second surface opposite from the first surface, a reflection layer provided at the first surface of the base, and a heat dissipation member provided at the second surface of the base and including a protrusion protruding from the second surface.