Projector Base Movement Restriction for Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Projectors face increased risk of breakage due to impact as the weight of the projection lens increases, requiring a configuration that enhances impact resistance without compromising attachment precision or increasing the number of parts.

Innovation Solution

A projector design that includes a base supporting the projection lens, an enclosure, and a restricting portion that restricts movement of the base, reducing stress on attachment points and preventing breakage, while allowing for efficient assembly without screws or additional fixing members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the projection lens weight is increased to improve optical performance, then the projection capability is enhanced, but the risk of breakage during impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection lens weightVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cushioning member positioned between the base and the enclosure that compresses during impact to absorb shock energy. This beforehand cushioning mechanism protects the heavy projection lens from breakage during accidental drops or impacts, resolving the contradiction between increased lens weight for better optical performance and reduced reliability during impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If fixing members like screws are used to attach the base to the enclosure, then the attachment strength is improved, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cushioning member and the fixing member into a single integrated component. This combining of functions eliminates the need for separate screws or fixing members, reducing the number of parts while maintaining both the protective cushioning function and the attachment strength function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated cushioning-fixing member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides shock absorption during impact, maintains attachment strength between the base and enclosure, and simplifies assembly. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between attachment strength and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a restricting portion is added to limit base movement, then impact resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restricting portion is integrated into the cushioning-fixing member structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of the movement restriction function with the existing cushioning-fixing structure improves impact resistance while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9285661B2Projector

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A projector includes a light source section that outputs light, a light modulator that modulates the light outputted from the light source section based on image information, a projection lens that projects the modulated light, an enclosure that accommodates the light source section, the light modulator, and the projection lens, a base that supports the projection lens and fixes the projection lens to the enclosure, and a restricting portion that restricts movement of the base.