Projector Accessory Adapter Radial Gap Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many image projectors lack a convenient means to attach accessories such as optical filters or additional lenses, due to their rigid front housing designs that do not provide adequate attachment points or clearance for secure mounting.

Innovation Solution

The development of an accessory-attachment adapter that utilizes the radial gap between the projector lens and the front housing, along with accessible rear surfaces, to securely attach image-projector accessories by incorporating projector-attachment structures that make physical contact with the front and rear surfaces of the housing, allowing for secure positioning and retention of accessories without compromising the projector's functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the projector uses a rigid front housing design, then the structural integrity and stability are improved, but the ability to attach accessories is worsened due to lack of attachment points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaccessory attachment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a front housing portion that interfaces with the projector, attachment structures that engage with the radial gap, and an accessory interface portion that holds the accessory. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary device between the projector and the accessory. It mediates the connection by utilizing the radial gap between the projector lens and front housing to securely mount accessories, thereby enabling accessory attachment without modifying the projector's rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the projector lens is positioned close to the front housing, then the compactness is improved, but the clearance for attaching accessories is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojector compactnessVSAvoidradial gap clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structures extend radially outward from the front housing into the available radial gap space. By utilizing the radial dimension rather than requiring additional axial or lateral space, the adapter enables accessory attachment while maintaining the projector's compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment structures are designed as thin, flexible components that can be positioned within the limited radial gap. These thin-film-like structures provide sufficient mechanical engagement without occupying excessive space, allowing secure accessory mounting in the constrained radial environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If attachment structures are added to the front housing, then the accessory attachment capability is improved, but the risk of damaging the projector is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory attachment capabilityVSAvoidprojector damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structures are extracted from the projector housing itself and placed on a separate adapter. This extraction prevents direct modification or stress on the projector's front housing, eliminating the risk of damage while maintaining accessory attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter absorbs all mechanical stresses, forces, and potential damage risks associated with accessory attachment and removal. By positioning the adapter between the accessory and projector, it cushions and protects the projector from any harmful effects during accessory operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the adapter structure is made complex to ensure secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidadapter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated adapter structure: the front housing portion interfaces with the projector, attachment structures engage with the radial gap, and the accessory interface portion holds the accessory. This merging achieves reliable attachment without the complexity of multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed with universal applicability to work with various projector models that have radial gaps between the lens and front housing. The attachment structures provide multi-functional engagement, securing both the adapter to the projector and the accessory to the adapter, thereby achieving high reliability through versatile design rather than complex specialized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11635676B2Image-projector accessory-attachment adapter

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 PANAMORPH INC

AI summary

An accessory may be attached to image projector via an associated accessory-interface structure, the latter of which is operatively coupled to at least one projector-attachment structure that extends through an opening in a front panel of the projector so as to provide for clamping the accessory-interface structure to the front panel of the image projector.