An adjustable mount for an image projector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Short throw projectors require precise and reproducible positioning to ensure a clear, aesthetically pleasing image on a front projection screen, which is challenging due to the acute projection angle and the need for the projector to be hidden when not in use, especially in furniture-mounted systems.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mount with a base, platform, and columns of varying lengths, featuring apertures with different diameters and shapes to allow for precise angle adjustment, combined with biasing springs and a mounting element for intuitive adjustment, ensuring the projector is accurately positioned and securely stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the projector is mounted in a movable drawer to allow hiding when not in use, then the aesthetic appearance and protection are improved, but the positioning precision and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mount uses adjustable column lengths with aperture engagement that allows the platform to be dynamically repositioned between different fixed locations, enabling precise positioning even within a movable drawer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The columns are pre-positioned at specific locations on the base and platform, with apertures designed to engage these columns at predetermined positions, ensuring reproducible positioning before the drawer is closed
2Volume of moving object
If the projection angle is acute to reduce space usage, then the space efficiency is improved, but the tolerance to position disturbance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mount replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simpler column-and-aperture engagement system that provides sufficient positioning stability for acute projection angles without requiring elaborate disturbance compensation mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If the columns are made adjustable to allow angle adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The columns are designed to be adjustable in length through simple engagement with apertures of varying diameters, providing dynamic adaptability without complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Different columns have different adjustment capabilities based on their aperture configurations, with each column optimized for its specific positioning requirements rather than making all columns equally complex
4Adaptability or versatility
If the apertures are made with larger diameter than columns to accommodate angle changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture diameter is intentionally changed to be larger than the column diameter, creating a deliberate parameter variation that accommodates column angle changes while reducing the precision required in aperture manufacturing
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable mount (7) for an image projector. The adjustable mount (7) comprises a baseplate (12), a platform (21) separated from the base (12) by at least three columns, and a mounting element (31) adapted for engagement with the image projector. The columns are at a first end connected to one of said platform (12) or said baseplate (12), and remote from said first end pass through apertures in the other. The apertures comprise, a first circular aperture with a diameter corresponding essentially to the diameter of the column passing through it, a second circular aperture with a diameter larger than the diameter of the column passing through it, a third elongate aperture having a length and a width, where length is longer than the diameter of the column passing through it and where the width corresponds essentially to the diameter of the column passing through it.