Lens Shift Mechanism Rattle Reduction via Opposing Elastic Bias

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens shift mechanisms in projection display apparatuses suffer from rattling issues due to clearance in the lens shift apparatus, which affects the stability of the projection image position, and existing solutions either require high frictional forces or increase the load on the drive mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A lens shift mechanism that incorporates a pair of main and countershafts extending perpendicular to the optical axis, combined with elastic bodies having opposite biasing directions, to reduce rattling and improve stability without increasing the load on the drive mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If clearance is provided in the lens shift apparatus for operating the projection lens, then the lens can move freely to adjust image position, but rattling occurs which reduces projection image position stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens movement freedomVSAvoidprojection image position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic bodies are pre-loaded to apply biasing forces before the lens shift operation begins. This preliminary action creates initial contact pressure between the lens holder and the support structure, eliminating clearance-induced rattling before any movement occurs, while still allowing the lens to be shifted when force is applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic bodies act as cushioning elements that absorb and dampen vibrations and rattling forces. By placing these elastic bodies between the lens holder and support structure, they provide beforehand cushioning that prevents rattling from propagating during lens operation, maintaining projection stability while preserving movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Device complexity

If a single elastic body is used to eliminate rattling, then the structure is simple, but the load on the drive mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddrive mechanism load
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The single elastic body is segmented into multiple elastic bodies arranged in parallel. Each elastic body carries a portion of the rattle-prevention function, distributing the force requirements. This segmentation reduces the load on the drive mechanism while maintaining the same level of rattling elimination effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple elastic bodies are configured with biasing directions that oppose each other, creating a balanced force system. This counterbalancing arrangement reduces the net force required from the drive mechanism to operate the lens, as the opposing biasing forces cancel out during normal operation while still maintaining contact pressure to eliminate rattling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Reliability

If frictional force is increased to remove rattling, then projection image stability improves, but the load on the drive mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection image position stabilityVSAvoiddrive mechanism load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic bodies are configured with opposite biasing directions that create a balanced force system. During lens movement, the opposing biasing forces cancel each other out, reducing the net force the drive mechanism must overcome. This allows sufficient frictional force to be generated for rattling elimination without proportionally increasing the drive load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic bodies are designed with specific biasing force parameters that optimize the balance between friction generation and drive load. By carefully selecting the elasticity and pre-load parameters, the system generates just enough friction to eliminate rattling while minimizing the force requirement for the drive mechanism.

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

The mechanism effectively reduces rattling and enhances the stability of the projection image position by utilizing the opposing biasing forces of the elastic bodies, allowing for precise movement of the projection lens without burdening the support or drive mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

generate a frictional force to remove rattling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a pair of elastic bodies parallel to the same one axial direction and having biasing directions opposite to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3845965B1Lens shift mechanism and projection display device
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3845965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3845965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3845965B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lens shift mechanism of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a projection lens; a cylindrical housing that holds the projection lens; and an operating unit that moves the cylindrical housing in one axial direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the projection lens. The operating unit includes a pair of a main shaft and a countershaft extending in the one axial direction and disposed to be opposed to each other across the cylindrical housing, and a pair of elastic bodies provided respectively for the main shaft and the countershaft. The pair of elastic bodies are parallel to the one axial direction, and have biasing directions opposite to each other.