Flexible Washer Sealing for Projector Lens Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors face issues with dust entering the containing space due to assembly gaps between the projection lens and the holding casing or between the holding and containing casings, which can damage the image projection module and affect heat dissipation, and existing sponge washers break easily with lens movement.
Innovation Solution
A flexible washer with a first ring structure, connection ring structure, and second ring structure is used, featuring a first engaging structure on the projection lens and a second engaging structure on the washer, which engages with the holding and containing casings to seal the space and deform adaptively with lens movement, preventing dust entry and washer breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sponge washer is used among the projection lens, holding casing and containing casing for sealing, then the containing space can be sealed, but the sponge washer is broken easily due to movement of the projection lens relative to the holding casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible washer made of elastic material that can deform and recover, allowing it to maintain sealing contact with the projection lens and holding casing even when the lens moves relative to the casing. The flexibility of the washer enables it to accommodate positional changes without breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional rigid or semi-rigid sponge washer to a specifically designed flexible elastic material with appropriate durometer, allowing the washer to dynamically adapt its shape and maintain sealing force under varying compression conditions during lens movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If assembly gaps are formed between the projection lens and holding casing or between holding casing and containing casing, then the structure is simple and easy to assemble, but dust can enter the containing space through the assembly gap to damage the image projection module or influence heat dissipating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible washer is installed in the assembly gaps between components to seal these gaps while maintaining the simple assembled structure. The washer material fills and seals the gaps, preventing dust entry while allowing for easy assembly without complex sealing mechanisms.
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
The flexible washer effectively seals the containing space, preventing dust entry and ensuring the washer remains intact during lens movement, thus enhancing dustproofing and maintaining the projector's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible washer is deformed with movement of the projection lens, wherein the flexible washer has a first ring structure, a connection ring structure, and a second ring structure
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a holding casing having a hole structure, a projection lens movably disposed through the hole structure, a containing casing detachably fixed to the holding casing for forming a containing space, an image projection module disposed in the containing space, and a flexible washer. A first engaging structure is formed on an external surface of the projection lens. The flexible washer jackets the projection lens and has first and second ring structures and a connection ring structure formed therebetween. The first engaging structure is engaged with the second engaging structure of the first ring structure for positioning the first ring structure on the projection lens. The second ring structure is clamped between the holding casing and the containing casing for sealing the containing space cooperatively with the connection ring structure and the first ring structure when the containing casing is fixed to the holding casing.