Projection Plate Input Device Cost and Volume Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices with projecting functions, such as mice, are hindered by the cost and bulkiness of LCD panels, which obstruct the development of lighter, slimmer, and smaller devices.

Innovation Solution

The use of a light source and a cheap, small projection plate within a casing, where the light source emits plural light beams that pass through the projection plate to project an image corresponding to a pattern outside the casing, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling the development of lighter, slimmer, and smaller devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an LCD panel is used to provide the projecting function, then the projecting function is achieved, but the fabricating cost increases and the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojecting functionVSAvoidfabricating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive LCD panel with a cheap projection plate that has a pattern. This projection plate is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced, directly addressing the high fabricating cost issue while maintaining the projecting function through optical projection of the pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using an LCD panel to generate images, the patent uses a projection plate with a pre-defined pattern that is optically copied and projected onto a surface. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex LCD panel manufacturing while achieving the same visual output function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If an LCD panel is used to provide the projecting function, then the projecting function is achieved, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojecting functionVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The projection plate is a thin, lightweight component that replaces the bulky LCD panel. This substitution dramatically reduces the device volume while maintaining the projecting function, enabling lighter and more compact input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection plate can be implemented as a thin film or flexible component with a pattern, which significantly reduces the thickness and volume of the projecting mechanism compared to rigid LCD panels, contributing to slimmer device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If an LCD panel is used to provide the projecting function, then the projecting function is achieved, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojecting functionVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lightweight projection plate replaces the heavy LCD panel, directly reducing device weight. This substitution enables the development of lighter input devices that are more comfortable for extended use and portable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 reduces the fabricating cost and achieves the goals of light weightiness, slimness, and small size for both input devices and computing devices with projecting functions.

Implementation Method 1

The light source emits plural light beams. After the plural light beams are transmitted through the projection plate, an image corresponding to the pattern is projected outside the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20200004130A1Computing device and input device thereof

Publication Date: 2020.01.02 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

A computing device and an input device are provided. Each of the computing device and the input device includes a control unit, a light source, a projection plate and a casing. The control unit, the light source and the projection plate are accommodated within the casing. The light source emits light beams. The projection plate includes a pattern. After the light beams pass through the projection plate, the light beams are projected outside the casing and an image corresponding to the pattern of the projection plate is formed on a projection surface that is located outside the casing. Since the projection plate is cheap and small, the fabricating cost of the computing device or the input device is reduced and the purpose of developing the computing device or the input device toward light weightiness, slimness and small size is achievable.