Projection Mirror Alignment Using Motor and Photosensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear projection devices often experience misalignment of adjustable projection mirrors during shipping, requiring professional realignment at the customer's location, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The system employs motors and photosensors to automatically adjust the projection mirror based on measured light characteristics, ensuring proper alignment with the projection screen by determining and correcting the positional orientation of the image reflected by the adjustable projection mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an adjustable projection mirror is used to allow post-manufacture alignment, then the ease of operation during installation is improved, but the reliability during shipping deteriorates as the mirror may become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment action during the manufacturing process by adjusting the projection mirror to the correct position and locking it in place. This preliminary adjustment ensures that the mirror remains properly aligned during shipping and installation, eliminating the need for field adjustment while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-aligning features such as alignment marks, mechanical stops, or self-locking mechanisms that automatically maintain the mirror's position without requiring external intervention during shipping or installation. The mirror structure itself provides the alignment function through precision manufacturing features.
2Manufacturing precision
If professional installation and realignment is required at customer location, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained during shipping, but the ease of operation during installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-aligning features such as alignment marks visible through the projection screen, mechanical stops, or self-locking mechanisms that enable the customer to perform the alignment themselves without requiring professional installation services. The device serves its own alignment needs through built-in features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses alignment marks or indicator devices as intermediaries between the mirror position and the user. These markers provide visual feedback that guides the user in achieving proper alignment, making the installation process intuitive and eliminating the need for professional expertise.
3Ease of operation
If the projection mirror is adjusted during shipping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time during installation increases due to required realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment is performed as a preliminary action during the manufacturing process, and the mirror is locked in its correct position before shipping. This eliminates the need for time-consuming realignment at the installation site, reducing installation time to minimal steps while preserving alignment capability through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-locking mechanisms or friction-fit components that automatically maintain the mirror position without requiring time-consuming adjustments during installation. The alignment is achieved through quick-connect features that engage automatically, minimizing installation time.
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 allows for easy and accurate alignment of the projection image at the customer's end, eliminating the need for professional installation and ensuring optimal image display quality.
Implementation Method 1
sense the presence of light reflected by an adjustable projection mirror
Implementation Method 2
photosensor devices may be employed to sense the presence of light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for adjusting a projection mirror of a rear projection device, that may be utilized to properly align an image projected by an image source within a desired projection area of the projection screen by adjusting the positional orientation of an image reflected by the adjustable projection mirror relative to a projection screen of the projection device based on one or more measured characteristics of light reflected by the projection mirror for projection onto the projection screen.