Portable Projection System with Hinged Folding Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projector systems are cumbersome and lack mobility, requiring predefined mounting and occupying valuable space, while also needing to be transportable for temporary use in various locations such as military, homeland security, and corporate functions.

Innovation Solution

A portable projection system with collapsible frame components, including hinged vertical and horizontal members, and a projector mounting assembly that allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, enabling the system to be folded into a compact configuration for transport and set up in different locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the projector is mounted on a mobile caddy in the room, then the projector can be easily positioned, but valuable floor space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojector positioningVSAvoidfloor space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from floor-mounted projection to ceiling-mounted projection, utilizing the vertical dimension (ceiling space) instead of horizontal floor space. This allows the projector to be positioned above the seating area, eliminating the need for floor occupancy while maintaining easy positioning capability through the ceiling mounting structure.

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

2Area of stationary object

If the projector is ceiling mounted, then floor space is saved, but the wiring and mounting are predefined and lack mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor spaceVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the projection system into separate modular components: a portable projector unit, a detachable mounting bracket, and a ceiling mount assembly. This segmentation allows the system to be easily assembled and disassembled, providing mobility while maintaining ceiling mounting benefits. The mounting bracket can be attached to different ceiling locations, enabling repositioning without permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display system is made portable and transportable, then mobility is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the projector, mounting bracket, and support structure into an integrated portable assembly. The mounting bracket is designed to attach directly to the projector housing, and the ceiling mount components are unified into a single transportable unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining portability and ease of setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the projector mounting assembly includes support structures, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmounting assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it provides structural support for the projector, enables ceiling mounting, allows for positional adjustment, and facilitates easy attachment and detachment. By consolidating these functions into a single universal bracket design, the patent achieves stability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8267527B2Portable and transportable 2-D and 3-D display system
Publication Date: 2012.09.18 KEPLEY JR LEROY FRANCIS
  • US8267527B2 patent drawing
  • US8267527B2 patent drawing
  • US8267527B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable projection system comprises a first and second vertical member including at least one hinged point for folding the first and second vertical member into at least two separate portions. A first and second horizontal member connected with the first and second vertical members includes at least one hinged point for folding the first and second horizontal member into at least two separate portions. At least one base member pivots between a first position parallel to the first or second vertical member and a second position perpendicular to the first or second vertical member. First and second mounting members of a projector mounting assembly include at least one hinged point for folding the first and second mounting members into at least two separate portions. A projector mounting assembly mounting bracket pivotally connects the first and second mounting members with the first horizontal member.