LED Projector with Nested Reflective Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desktop image projection devices are bulky, noisy, and require frequent battery changes due to wired connections or battery operation, posing safety risks and being costly.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight image projector using a plug-in outlet or USB port for power, eliminating the need for motors or rotating parts, and employing multiple LEDs with sequential flashing and color-changing effects to create moving images without wires, utilizing geometric optics and reflective surfaces for image projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery operation is used to power LEDs, then portability is improved, but frequent battery changes are required due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery system with an electrical plug-in power system. The projector can be connected to AC power outlets or USB ports, eliminating the need for battery installation and replacement. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining portability (no heavy battery pack needed) while eliminating the time loss from frequent battery changes.
2Power
If wired AC connection with adaptor and transformer is used, then sufficient power is provided, but safety risks increase due to exposed wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hazardous wire component from the power connection system. By using a plug-in design with integrated power cord housing, the dangerous exposed wires are removed while maintaining sufficient power delivery capability through direct connection to AC outlets or USB ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs low-voltage DC power delivery through USB or low-power AC adapters, replacing the need for high-voltage transformers and complex wiring. This approach uses simpler, safer power delivery components that eliminate safety risks while providing adequate power for LED operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If motor and rotating means are used to create moving effects, then dynamic image capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotating means with electronic control of LED arrays. Multiple LEDs are arranged in specific patterns and controlled to sequentially activate, creating the illusion of moving images through persistence of vision. This electronic approach eliminates motors, gears, and rotating components while achieving the same dynamic image capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic activation of LED groups to create moving effects. By sequentially turning on and off different sets of LEDs in a repeating pattern, the system generates dynamic visual effects without mechanical motion. This periodic electronic action replaces complex mechanical rotating systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflective means are used to project images, then image projection capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested reflective surfaces where multiple mirrors or reflective elements are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration. The reflective means are nested within each other or arranged in overlapping patterns, allowing multiple image projection paths to coexist in a small volume, thus improving projection capability without significantly increasing device size.
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 solution provides a safe, cost-effective, and energy-efficient means of projecting images with moving effects, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for frequent battery changes, while avoiding the risks associated with wired connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one LED or LEDs for a light source
Implementation Method 2
more than one reflective means within the geometrically shaped optics means to enable a plurality of light beams to pass through, reflect
Data Source
AI summary
An LED and/or laser light device having a plug-in AC power source, an interchangeable power source, or a USB power source incorporates more than one optical-lens which having more than one reflective or refractive area or sections or surfaces, and at different positions, distances, and/or orientations relative to the LEDs and/or laser light source of the LED or laser light to cause light beams to reflect and/or refract before passing through the top optical-lens and create or project an image, message, time, geometric art, nature scene, galaxy, milky way, sky, cloud, starts, moon, water-wave, aurora light, animal, characters, cartoon, sign, logo, commercial to at least one surface surrounding and/or away-from the light device. The optical-lens may have a predetermined texture and/or shaped openings, windows, cutouts, or variable thicknesses and further may incorporate parts and accessories such as a motor to provide moving image effects with a wide viewing angle and variable colors or patterns.