Vehicle Ceiling Projection Screen Assembly with Retractable Optical Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle projection screens require complex manual installation and removal, are prone to damage when stored with other objects, and can interfere with passenger viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A projection screen assembly integrated into the vehicle ceiling with a driving mechanism for automatic extension and retraction, and an optical engine assembly with a retractable lens to minimize space usage and protect components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the projection screen is separately accommodated and manually installed/removed, then the projection screen can be stored, but the operation becomes complex and the screen is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the projection screen assembly with the vehicle ceiling by connecting it to the vehicle body sheet metal through a first connection structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual installation and removal operations, as the screen becomes a fixed integrated component of the vehicle interior, thereby reducing operational complexity and damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a first driving mechanism that enables the projection screen body to dynamically extend and retract. This dynamic capability allows the screen to automatically deploy when needed and retract when not in use, eliminating manual installation/removal operations while maintaining reliable positioning through the driving mechanism's controlled motion.
2Ease of operation
If the projection screen is integrated into the vehicle ceiling, then the operation becomes convenient, but additional connection structures are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into modular components: a first connection structure for attaching the housing to the vehicle body sheet metal, and a second connection structure for mounting the optical engine assembly. This segmentation allows each connection structure to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall integration process by breaking down the complex mounting task into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The first connection structure serves multiple functions: it anchors the projection screen assembly to the vehicle ceiling, provides structural support, and enables the integrated mounting that eliminates manual installation. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the lens is always extended, then the projection quality is optimal, but the space usage is inefficient and components are exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a second driving mechanism that enables the optical engine assembly's lens to dynamically extend and retract. This dynamic positioning allows the lens to be extended only when projection is needed, minimizing exposed components and reducing space requirements, while maintaining optimal projection quality during active use. The retractable capability also protects the lens from damage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical engine assembly is designed with a nested structure where the lens can be retracted into the housing. This nesting arrangement protects the lens from external damage when not in use, reduces the overall volume occupied by the assembly, and eliminates the need for the lens to remain permanently extended, thereby solving both the protection and space efficiency issues.
4Device complexity
If the projection screen is manually handled, then the structure is simple, but the screen is prone to damage from other objects in storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the projection screen assembly directly into the vehicle ceiling structure through the first connection structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual handling and storage operations, as the screen becomes a fixed, protected component of the vehicle interior. The integration naturally protects the screen from damage by other objects that might occur during manual storage, while maintaining relatively simple assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the projection screen assembly in a retracted state within the vehicle ceiling, with the screen body stored in a protected position. This preliminary positioning ensures that the screen is already protected from external objects before any operation occurs, eliminating the damage risk associated with manual handling and storage while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
A projection screen assembly, an optical engine assembly, a projection system, a vehicle, and a control method are provided. The projection screen assembly (1) includes a first connection structure (16), a first driving mechanism (12), and a projection screen body (11). The projection screen assembly (1) is connected to a vehicle body sheet metal (111) in a vehicle ceiling (110) through the first connection structure (16). The projection screen body (11) is connected to the first driving mechanism (12), and a projection screen rolls up into or extends out of the vehicle ceiling through driving of the first driving mechanism (12). There is no need to dispose an additional structure such as a hook on an interior trim member or a vehicle body beam for the projection screen assembly and the optical engine assembly, and there is no need to make a great change to a manufacturing process of the vehicle body beam or the interior trim member. Only space used for disposing the projection screen assembly is reserved between the vehicle body sheet metal and the interior trim member, so that production costs are reduced and arrangement of the projection screen assembly is facilitated.