Dual-Lens Projector Optics for Switchable Projection Direction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectors require external mechanisms or movement to adjust projection direction and are limited by a single lens focal length, restricting their field of use.

Innovation Solution

A projection apparatus with movable reflectors and multiple lenses, controlled by a driving module and control unit, allows switching between projection modes without physical movement, enabling projection in different directions using different focal lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single lens is used for projection, then the projector structure is simple, but the projection direction cannot be adjusted and the field of use is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection direction adjustmentVSAvoidprojector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs movable reflectors that can dynamically change their positions and angles to redirect the projection beam. The reflectors are mounted on movable platforms that can adjust their location within the projection optical path, enabling the projection direction to be changed without moving the entire projector body. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability while keeping the base structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The projection system is segmented into multiple independent components: a fixed projection lens, movable reflectors, and a control system. This segmentation allows the reflectors to be independently positioned and adjusted to achieve different projection directions, while the main projector body remains stationary. The segmented architecture enables flexibility without requiring complex overall restructuring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire projector is moved to change projection direction, then the projection direction can be adjusted, but the system becomes complex and requires external mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection directionVSAvoidexternal mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the direction-adjustment function from the entire projector body and isolates it into separate movable reflector components. Instead of moving the heavy projector housing, only lightweight reflectors are moved within the optical path to achieve direction changes. This extraction principle eliminates the need for complex external mechanisms while maintaining projection direction adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable reflectors serve as intermediary elements between the fixed projection lens and the external environment. By positioning and orienting these reflectors at different angles, the system can redirect the projection beam in various directions without physically moving the main projector. The reflectors act as mediators that enable direction control through simple angular adjustments rather than complex mechanical movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single focal length lens is used, then the lens structure is simple, but the projector cannot be adjusted according to different fields of use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal length adjustmentVSAvoidlens structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable platform that can dynamically adjust the distance between the projection lens and the screen or projection surface. By changing this distance, the effective focal length of the system is adjusted to accommodate different projection scenarios. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides focal length adaptability while keeping the lens itself structurally simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts the projection parameters by changing the physical distance between optical components rather than replacing the lens itself. The movable platform enables variation in the object distance and image distance, which effectively changes the focal properties of the projection system. This parameter-based adjustment approach maintains lens simplicity while achieving adaptability for different fields of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible projection directions and focal length adjustments without external mechanisms, expanding the projector's usable field and reducing size and cost while maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

the image light beam is reflected to the first projection lens by the first movable reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12493233B2Projection apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 CORETRONIC CORPORATION
  • US12493233B2 patent drawing
  • US12493233B2 patent drawing
  • US12493233B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A projection apparatus, including an illumination system, a light valve, a first movable reflector, a first projection lens, a second projection lens, and a driving module, is provided. The illumination system is configured to provide an illumination light beam. The driving module is connected to the first movable reflector and is configured to drive the first movable reflector to move. The projection apparatus has a first projection mode and a second projection mode for being performed. In the first projection mode, the driving module controls the first movable reflector to move to a first position. In the second projection mode, the driving module controls the first movable reflector to move to a second position, and the first movable reflector is not located on a transmission path of an image light beam.