Optical Projection Device Notch Lens Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing projector technology faces issues with the angle of arrangement of the reflection mirror and the spread of image light, leading to insufficient angle widening and proximity of the projected image, resulting in inadequate projection size and distance from the projector.

Innovation Solution

The optical projection device incorporates a first optical system with movable lens groups and a second optical system that includes a cam pin and cam groove mechanism, allowing for the miniaturization of the cam barrel and the formation of a notch to prevent light shielding, enabling wider angle projection and focus adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the angle of arrangement of the reflection mirror is increased, then the projected image position moves farther from the projector, but the projection size and angle widening become insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojected image position distanceVSAvoidangle widening capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by creating an optical path that passes through a notch in the lens frame, allowing light to travel through a previously occupied space. This enables the reflection mirror to be positioned at a larger angle while still achieving adequate angle widening, as the light path is redirected through the notch rather than being constrained by the solid lens frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the angle of the spread of image light in the reflection mirror is decreased, then angle widening is improved, but the projected image position moves closer to the projector resulting in insufficient projection size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle wideningVSAvoidprojected image position distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By creating the notch in the lens frame, the patent enables light to pass through a new spatial pathway that was previously blocked. This allows the reflection mirror to maintain a smaller spread angle while still achieving adequate angle widening and projecting the image at an appropriate distance, as the light is redirected through the notch opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the cam barrel is miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but the frame protruding portion cannot be properly positioned relative to the light path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecam barrel sizeVSAvoidlight path clearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts or removes a portion of the lens frame to create a notch, separating the light path clearance function from the solid frame structure. This allows the cam barrel to be miniaturized while the notch provides the necessary space for light to pass through, ensuring that the frame protruding portion can be properly positioned without interfering with the light path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-generated harmful factors

If the notch is formed in the frame protruding portion, then light shielding is prevented, but the structural integrity of the lens frame may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight shieldingVSAvoidlens frame strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by forming a notch only in the frame protruding portion where light shielding occurs, rather than modifying the entire lens frame. This localized modification removes the harmful light shielding effect while minimizing the impact on the overall structural integrity of the lens frame, as the notch is confined to a specific non-critical area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration allows for a projector that can project images closer to the projection surface with enhanced angle widening and focus adjustment capabilities, improving optical performance and miniaturization.

Implementation Method 1

a cam pin protruding in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, a guide barrel which includes a straight groove along the optical axis and in which the cam pin is inserted into the straight groove, and a cam barrel which includes a cam groove into which the guide barrel is fitted and with which the cam pin protruding from the straight groove is engaged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

a second optical system reflecting light emitted from the first optical system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10656505B2Optical projection device and projector
Publication Date: 2020.05.19 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US10656505B2 patent drawing
  • US10656505B2 patent drawing
  • US10656505B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A optical projection device disposed close to a projection surface and capable of further widening an angle is provided. A optical projection device includes first optical system including lens groups movable and second optical system reflecting light emitted from the first optical system. The first optical system includes first lens frame which holds first lens group positioned at side closest to the second optical system among the movable lens groups and includes cam pin, guide barrel which includes straight groove, cam barrel which includes cam groove with which the cam pin is engaged, the first lens frame includes frame protruding portion protruding from the cam barrel to second optical system side and holding the first lens group, and notch is provided in such way that portion is formed to be cut out at side through which light reflected by the second optical system passes, in the frame protruding portion.