Projection Apparatus Parallel Circuit Boards Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection apparatuses face issues with abnormal image formation and operation due to poor connector quality, assembly tolerance, and improper assembly, leading to increased costs when casing designs change, requiring adjustments to the motherboard and increased volume.
Innovation Solution
The projection apparatus design integrates a motherboard with a light valve and CPU inside the casing, where the power circuit board is parallel to the host circuit board, and the projection lens' optical axis is perpendicular to both, reducing volume and allowing for efficient air circulation and thermal dissipation, with optional expansion components on separate boards to adapt to various specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is implemented on the edge region of the motherboard with port exposed to opening, then the apparatus can receive electronic signals from outside, but when the appearance of apparatus casing is changed, the location of connector must be adjusted causing re-design cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the connector from the traditional edge-plane location to the end-face of an expansion module, utilizing a different spatial dimension (depth/layer) rather than just the edge perimeter. This allows the connector position to be decoupled from the motherboard edge location, enabling casing design changes without requiring motherboard re-design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the connector function from the main motherboard by implementing it on a detachable expansion module. This segmentation allows the connector to be independently positioned on the expansion module's end-face, isolating it from motherboard design constraints and enabling flexible casing modifications.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional circuit boards are divided into two separate boards with connectors and flat cables, then the apparatus can be assembled, but poor quality connectors or flat cables cause abnormal image or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connector and its port into a single integrated structure on the expansion module end-face, eliminating the need for separate flat cables and intermediate connectors. This direct integration removes potential failure points from the signal path, improving reliability while maintaining assembly capability.
3Ease of operation
If the projection apparatus uses traditional flat shape with separate circuit boards, then the apparatus can function, but the overall volume is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the expansion module containing the connector is integrated within the compact apparatus body, and the circuit boards are arranged in a space-efficient manner. The optical axis perpendicular to both circuit boards enables a compact stacked layout that reduces overall volume while maintaining full functionality.
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 reduces the overall volume of the projection apparatus, improves thermal dissipation, and allows for cost-effective design flexibility by minimizing the need for motherboard redesigns and reducing the risk of abnormal operations.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminating beam generated by a light source is transformed into an image beam by a light valve
Implementation Method 2
the image beam is further transformed into a projecting beam by a projection lens
Data Source
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AI summary
A projection apparatus includes a casing, a motherboard, a power board, a light source, and a projection lens. The motherboard includes a host circuit board, a light valve, and a CPU, and is contained inside the casing. The light valve and the CPU are on the host circuit board. The power board includes a power circuit board and an AC/DC power module. The power circuit board is contained inside the casing, and the AC/DC power module is on the power circuit board. The light source is used to produce an illuminating beam. The light valve is used to transform the illuminating beam into an image beam. The projection lens is used to transform the image beam into a projecting beam. The power circuit board is parallel to the host circuit board. An optical axis of the projection lens is perpendicular to the host circuit board and power circuit board.