Optical Wheel Device with Integrated Lens Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical wheel devices for projectors are large in size due to the need for space between the collective lens and the color wheel, which is caused by the dish-shaped container used to balance vibrations, making it difficult to shorten the distance between them.

Innovation Solution

An optical wheel device with a wheel holding member that includes a recess portion for balance material and a projecting portion to position the collective lens close to the optical wheel, allowing for efficient light collection and reduced size, featuring a wheel holding member fixed to a motor shaft with a recess portion for balance material and a projecting portion to align the optical wheel's surface with the collective lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a dish-shaped container is provided to connect the color wheel to the rotating shaft for vibration suppression, then rotational balance is improved, but the device size increases due to required spacing for the container and lens unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational balanceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vibration suppression function and the lens mounting function into a single integrated wheel holding member. The recess portion for balance material and the projecting portion for lens positioning are both features of this single component, eliminating the need for a separate dish-shaped container and reducing overall device size while maintaining rotational balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel holding member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the optical wheel, provides rotational balance through the recess portion, positions the collective lens via the projecting portion, and suppresses vibrations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and compact the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If space is ensured for the lens unit and container, then proper lens positioning is achieved, but the distance between the collective lens and color wheel cannot be shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens positioningVSAvoiddistance between lens and wheel

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The projecting portion is designed in advance with a distal end face positioned closer to the motor side than the collective lens plane. This preliminary positioning arrangement allows the collective lens to be placed as close as possible to the optical wheel while still ensuring proper optical alignment and efficient light collection, thereby minimizing the distance between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the distance between collective lens and optical wheel is reduced, then device size is minimized, but design freedom for lens placement is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddesign freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel holding member features localized structural variations: a recess portion at the motor shaft end for balance material, and a projecting portion extending toward the lens for positioning. These localized features provide both vibration suppression and precise lens positioning while allowing the collective lens to be placed close to the optical wheel, achieving compact design without sacrificing design freedom.

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

The solution enables a compact and lightweight optical wheel device that enhances design freedom for lens placement, improves light collection efficiency, and reduces parts and fabrication costs while maintaining rotational balance and suppressing vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

an optical wheel (a rotary plate) which has a layer of luminescent material which absorbs light emitted from the excitation light source to convert it into visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption and conversion: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a layer of luminescent material which absorbs light emitted from the excitation light source to convert it into visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS9497430B2Optical wheel device and projection system

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

There is provided an optical wheel device including a motor, a wheel holding member which is fixed to a motor shaft of the motor and which has a recess portion on a surface which is normal to the motor shaft, an optical wheel which is fixed to a surface of the wheel holding member which is opposite to a surface facing the motor, and a collective lens which is disposed in the proximity to the optical wheel on a side of the optical wheel which is opposite to a side facing the motor, wherein a distal end face of a projecting portion on the wheel holding member which projects towards a side of the collective lens is positioned closer to a side of the motor than a plane of a surface of the collective lens which faces the motor.