Projector Cart Layout for Standing Position Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Position adjustment is difficult when projection mapping is performed using multiple projectors.

Innovation Solution

A projector cart with a housing, wheels, and a gripper that includes an operation panel for changing the electrical state of the projector, allowing for easy movement and positioning of the projector in a standing posture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the projector is removed from the cart for position adjustment, then position adjustment becomes possible, but the complexity of operation increases and the risk of erroneous operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePosition adjustment easeVSAvoidOperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projector cart enables self-service position adjustment by integrating operation panels directly on the cart structure. Users can perform keystone corrections and position adjustments without removing the projector from the cart, as the cart itself becomes the operational interface. This eliminates the need to handle the projector separately while achieving the same adjustment goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The operation panel serves as an intermediary between the user and the projector's positioning functions. Instead of directly manipulating the projector for position adjustment, users interact with the operation panel on the cart, which then controls the projector's positioning mechanisms (such as tilt adjustments or motorized movements). This intermediary interface simplifies the user's task while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the operation panel is located below the housing, then it is accessible from the front, but it becomes difficult to operate while standing in a normal posture

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOperability in standing postureVSAvoidOperator location
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the operation panel at the traditional lower position on the cart, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the operation panel above the housing. This allows users to operate the panel while standing in a natural posture, viewing the display and pressing buttons at eye level or chest level, eliminating the need to bend down or reach upward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation panel is positioned in the vertical dimension above the housing rather than at the front or side. This vertical placement creates a new spatial relationship that accommodates standing operation, transforming the accessibility problem from a horizontal accessibility issue to a vertical positioning solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple projectors are used for projection mapping, then coverage area increases, but position adjustment difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveProjection coverage areaVSAvoidPosition adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The projector cart is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple projectors simultaneously. Each projector mounted on the cart benefits from the same operation panel and positioning mechanisms, allowing standardized adjustment procedures across all projectors. This multi-functionality enables projection mapping with multiple devices while maintaining ease of position adjustment through a common interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the positioning and control functions into the cart structure itself rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each projector. By combining the operation panels and control systems on the cart, multiple projectors can be adjusted together or individually through a unified interface, simplifying the complex task of coordinating positions across multiple projection devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4597221A1Projection system, projector cart, and method of installing projection system
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4597221A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597221A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597221A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A projection system includes a projector, and a projector cart configured to house the projector, in which the projector includes an enclosure, a light source housed in the enclosure, a light modulator housed in the enclosure and configured to modulate light emitted from the light source, a projection lens unit configured to emit the light modulated by the light modulator to an outside of the enclosure, and a power supply substrate housed in the enclosure and configured to supply power to the light source, and in a state in which the projector is in use, the projector cart includes a housing which is configured to house the projector and is configured to emit the light emitted from the projection lens unit to an outside of the projector cart, wheels placed vertically below the housing, and a first operator which is located vertically above the housing and is configured to change an electrical state of the power supply substrate.