Reflecting Mirror Flexure and Torsion Correction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rear projection type image display devices using reflecting mirrors face challenges in accurately projecting images due to image distortions caused by torsion and flexure of the mirrors during assembly and after installation, which existing adjustment mechanisms cannot effectively correct.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using flexure correcting means with a first eccentric cam at the center of one side of the reflecting mirror and torsion correcting means with second and third eccentric cams at the ends of the opposing side, along with camshafts and rotation operation portions, to adjust the mirror's position and shape, allowing for easy correction of distortions from the backside without dissembling the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional position adjuster is used to adjust the projector position, then the image position can be adjusted in vertical and horizontal directions, but it cannot correct image distortions generated by the reflecting mirror

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage position accuracyVSAvoiddistortion correction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment system is segmented into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms: a position adjuster for overall position/magnification/rotation adjustment, and separate flexure correcting means and torsion correcting means specifically for mirror distortion correction. This segmentation allows each mechanism to specialize in specific correction tasks, achieving comprehensive image quality adjustment that cannot be accomplished by a single position adjuster.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex adjusting mechanisms are provided to correct all types of image distortions, then correction capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion correction capabilityVSAvoidadjusting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflecting mirror is equipped with localized correction mechanisms at specific positions: flexure correcting means at the center of one side and torsion correcting means at both ends of the opposing side. Each correction mechanism targets specific local distortions (flexure or torsion) rather than requiring a complex global adjustment system. This localized approach achieves effective distortion correction while keeping the overall device structure simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the reflecting mirror is adjusted to correct distortions, then image quality is improved, but the adjustment cannot be performed easily from the backside without dissembling the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidadjustment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexure correcting means and torsion correcting means are integrated into the mirror support structure in a nested arrangement. The correction mechanisms are housed within the existing mirror mounting framework, allowing them to be accessed and operated from the backside of the device through the same access points used for mirror installation. This nested integration enables distortion correction without requiring device disassembly, improving maintenance ease while maintaining correction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 approach effectively corrects image distortions caused by torsion and flexure, enabling distortion-free image projection on large screens without moving adjacent devices or dissembling, allowing for unified and smooth large screen displays.

Implementation Method 1

flexure correcting means for operating to rotate a first eccentric cam provided at a central part of a first side of the reflecting mirror, thereby moving up and down the central part of the first side to correct the flexure of the reflecting mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric cam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

torsion correcting means for operating to rotate a second eccentric cam or/and a third eccentric cam provided at respective ends of a second side opposed to the first side of the reflecting mirror, thereby moving up and down both ends of the second side of the reflecting mirror to correct the torsion of the reflecting mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric cam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

a reflecting mirror provided at a prescribed inclination angle with respect to the installation surface of a projector to reflect an image output from the projector onto a screen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7370976B2Projection type image display device
Publication Date: 2008.05.13 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US7370976B2 patent drawing
  • US7370976B2 patent drawing
  • US7370976B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The device has flexure correcting means for operating to rotate a first eccentric cam provided at a central part of a first side of a reflecting mirror, thereby moving up and down the central part of the first side to correct the flexure of the reflecting mirror, torsion correcting means for operating to rotate a second eccentric cam or/and a third eccentric cam provided at the ends of a second side opposed to the first side of the reflecting mirror, thereby moving up and down both ends of the second side of the reflecting mirror to correct the torsion of the reflecting mirror, and a rotation operation portion provided at each of extended ends of camshafts provided at the eccentric cams to correct the flexure and torsion of the reflecting mirror.