Light Source Device Locking Mechanism for Projector Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Projectors using light-emitting diodes or laser diodes as light sources face the challenge of these components being inadvertently removed and used for other purposes, posing safety risks due to accidental exposure to laser beams, as existing solutions do not effectively prevent the separation of the light source from the projector.

Innovation Solution

A light source device with a support structure that includes a first and second support, a fixing member, and a locking mechanism with a head and rod portion, where the first support has a protruding portion with a through hole and the second support has a receiving portion, and the locking member's rod is inserted through these holes, with the head portion sealed using a sealant, preventing easy separation of the light source from the projector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple support structure is used to hold the light source, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light source can be easily separated and misused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidlight source security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple components: a support body, a locking member with head and rod portions, and protruding/receiving portions. This segmentation allows the structure to remain simple in assembly while providing secure locking functionality through the distributed components working together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member acts as an intermediary between the support body and the light source. It mediates the connection by inserting its rod portion through the light source and securing it with the head portion, providing a simple yet effective security mechanism without complex fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent light source removal, then light source security is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source securityVSAvoidassembly process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed with the head portion and rod portion pre-integrated as a single component. This preliminary configuration allows the locking mechanism to be installed in one straightforward step during assembly, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex fastening system that requires multiple steps, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple locking member that relies on the light source's own structure (through hole) as part of the locking mechanism. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the locking member head portion is left exposed, then ease of operation for maintenance is improved, but the light source can be easily separated for unauthorized use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidprevention of unauthorized use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The head portion of the locking member is extracted and sealed with sealant to prevent removal, while the rod portion remains accessible for proper maintenance procedures. This extraction and sealing approach prevents unauthorized use while maintaining controlled access for legitimate maintenance through proper disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution effectively prevents the light source from being separated from the projector, ensuring the light source is not used for unintended purposes and maintaining safety by securing the components during manufacturing and operation.

Implementation Method 1

the head portion of the locking member is sealed with a sealant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8801198B2Light source device, projector, and method of assembling light source device

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

The light source device includes: a first support that supports one of a light source and a collimator lens condensing; a second support that supports the other of the light source and the collimator lens; and a fixing member that fixes the first support to the second support. The first support includes a first protruding portion that protrudes from the first support toward the second support, the first protruding portion having a through hole therethrough. The second support includes a second protruding portion that protrudes from the second support toward the first support, the second protruding portion having: a receiving portion that receives the first protruding portion; and a receiving hole. A rod portion of a locking member is inserted into the through hole and the receiving hole, and a head portion of a locking member is sealed with a sealant.