Balanced Projector Mount With Single-Fastener 3-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projector mounts lack quick and easy precision adjustment for roll, pitch, and yaw orientations, are not compact, and often compromise on security and theft deterrence.
Innovation Solution
A projector mount with a device interface and orientation adjustment structure that includes multiple axes of rotation, balanced to maintain position without holding, and a single adjustable friction element for each axis, along with a geared adjustment mechanism and quick disconnect feature, ensuring secure and precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate fasteners are used for pitch and roll adjustments, then security against theft is improved, but adjustment time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated mechanism. The single fastener simultaneously performs pitch adjustment, roll adjustment, and security locking functions that previously required multiple separate fasteners. This merging reduces adjustment time while maintaining security through a unified design where the same fastener provides both adjustment capability and theft resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an adjustment mechanism and a security device. It can be quickly manipulated for precise positioning adjustments while also providing theft-resistant security, eliminating the need for separate adjustment fasteners and security fasteners that would increase complexity and adjustment time.
2Ease of operation
If the projector weight is used to pull the mount out of adjustment, then simple fastening is achieved, but fine adjustment precision is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the single fastener can be selectively loosened to allow the projector weight to naturally position the device, then tightened to lock the position. This dynamic approach enables both simple operation and fine adjustment precision by allowing the system to transition between locked and adjustable states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the projector's own weight to assist in the adjustment process. When the fastener is loosened, gravity and the projector's weight naturally guide the device to its proper position, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms. The fastener then secures this self-adjusted position, combining simplicity with precision.
3Reliability
If security fasteners require special tools for removal, then theft deterrence is improved, but convenience of use is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security fastening function with the adjustment function into a single fastener mechanism. This unified design allows the same tool to be used for both security purposes and routine adjustments, eliminating the need for special tools while maintaining theft deterrence. The fastener requires tool engagement for both security and adjustment operations, providing convenience without compromising security.
4Reliability
If channels are used to support the projector and conceal cabling, then security and cable management are improved, but device size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable management function from the structural support elements. Instead of using bulky channels that serve both support and cable concealment purposes, the design separates these functions - the mounting structure provides security and support, while cables are managed through separate routing paths. This extraction eliminates the need for oversized channels, reducing the overall mount size while maintaining both security and cable management capabilities.
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
Enables quick and precise adjustment of projector position with high security and theft deterrence in a compact design, maintaining position without manual holding and allowing easy reattachment.
Implementation Method 1
a selectively adjustable friction element for resisting movement of the projector interface along the adjustment axis
Implementation Method 2
a geared mechanism for precise adjustments using a Phillips screwdriver
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for attaching a projection device to an overhead structure includes a device interface operably attachable to the projection device and a device orientation adjustment structure operably coupled with the device interface. The device orientation adjustment structure has structure defining up to three independent axes for adjustment of projector pitch, roll, and yaw. A single selectively adjustable friction element may be provided to enable projector position to be fixed about for any one or all of the independent axes. A gear adjustment mechanism may be provided to enable fine adjustment of projector position. Moreover, any one or all of the independent axes may pass through the projector device, preferably proximate its center of gravity so that it is self balanced on the mount to ease adjustment.