Projector Lens Shift Mechanism with Integrated Lever Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projector lens shift mechanisms are complex, costly to manufacture, and prone to breakage due to their intricate lock mechanisms and increased size, which can lead to accidental movement of the projection lens.
Innovation Solution
A projector lens shift mechanism with a simplified lock mechanism that allows switching between locked and unlocked states using a lever mechanism, reducing complexity and size, and featuring a switching mechanism that prevents drive force transmission when the projection lens reaches its limit, thereby preventing breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex lock mechanism with horizontal and vertical lock members is used to prevent image displacement, then the reliability of preventing accidental movement is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the horizontal and vertical lock functions into a single integrated lock mechanism. The lock lever simultaneously engages with both the horizontal lock groove and vertical lock groove on the operation dial, allowing one component to perform multiple locking functions that were previously separated into independent lock members for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation dial is designed with both horizontal and vertical lock grooves, enabling a single dial structure to control movement in multiple directions. The lock lever serves multiple functions by engaging with grooves in different orientations, making the locking system multi-functional rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each directional control.
2Reliability
If lock members are arranged in the direction orthogonal to center axes of rotation to enable locking, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the size of the lock mechanism increases and arrangement of other members is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging lock members orthogonal to the rotation axes in a way that expands the mechanism size, the patent uses grooves that extend radially from the center axis. The lock lever moves along these radial grooves, utilizing the radial dimension to achieve locking without increasing the overall footprint of the mechanism in the orthogonal direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock grooves are integrated within the structure of the operation dial itself, nesting the locking features inside the existing component rather than adding separate lock members that would increase the overall size. The lock lever is also integrated into the same spatial envelope as the operation dial.
3Ease of operation
If a lever mechanism with locking members is used to fix the projection lens, then the ease of operation for positioning is improved, but the risk of breakage when excessive drive force is applied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a resilient member (spring) that provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing excessive drive forces before they can cause breakage. The spring is positioned to engage with the lock lever and cushion against forces that would otherwise damage the locking mechanism or cause unintended movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides preliminary anti-action by counteracting excessive drive forces before they can harm the system. The spring is pre-loaded to resist and cushion against forces that would otherwise cause breakage, preventing damage before it occurs rather than reacting after failure has begun.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens shift mechanism includes a movable portion configured to support a projection lens and movable in two directions orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis; first and second operating units configured to generate drive forces for moving the movable portion in the two directions, respectively, first and second rotating portions to which the drive forces generated by the first and second operating units are transmitted, and a lock mechanism configured to be capable of switching between a locked state in which the two operating units are locked and an unlocked state in which the two rotating portions are rotatable, and the lock mechanism includes first and second locking members configured to lock the first and second rotating portions respectively and a lever mechanism configured to move the two locking members.