Constantin Systems, Inc.

Emile J Constantin

Stephen Gryglas

A thermal management system particularly adapted for a portable lightweight opaque projector dissipates the heat generated within the projector by the projector light source in a controlled fashion, while maintaining the exterior of the projector in a moderate temperature range. Opposed sidewalls of the enclosed interior illumination chamber of the projector are provided with alongated planar heat sink surfaces which are coated with a flat black finish which is highly absorptive of infrared as well as visible radiation. The heat sink surfaces are mounted spaced from the adjacent interior sidewall of the projector, such that an air channel or plenum is formed between the heat sinks and the adjacent sidewall. Exhaust fans draw air out from the interior of the projector and through these air channels to thereby remove heat absorbed by the heat sinks. The exterior sidewalls of the projector opposite the heat sinks are provided with a passive heat dissipation mechanism. This takes the form of a plastic outer panel which overlies the outboard side of each of the aforementioned opposed sidewalls. The plastic outer panel defines a plurality of vertical air spaces or channels between the plastic panel and the adjacent sidewall of the projector. Air convection through these air channels cools these sidewalls, with the plastic panels further providing thermal insulation. Yet a third heat dissipation mechanism is provided for deflecting as well as absorbing heat in the area of the fans, which overlie the light source. Objectionable heat transfer from the light source to the fans is thus eliminated.

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Chicago, IL, United States of America

Emile J Constantin