Projector Light Beam Weather Sealing via Nested O-Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectors with Fresnel lenses are limited to indoor use due to low weather sealing, requiring external protection in adverse conditions, which increases costs and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A projector design with internal sealing elements, including O-rings and a tubular guard, to enhance weatherproofing without altering dimensions or adding external components, ensuring sealed operation of control and power units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external protection systems (covers, canopies, sheets) are added to protect the projector from water, then water protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are nested within the existing projector structure. O-rings are positioned in grooves of the control means, and the tubular guard is integrated into the frame, creating a nested sealing system that protects internal components without adding external bulk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses O-rings (flexible sealing elements) that can deform to create effective seals between moving and stationary parts. These thin flexible elements provide water protection without significantly increasing device complexity or dimensions
2Reliability
If external protection systems are added to protect the projector from water, then water protection is improved, but the dimensions and shape of the projector are modified
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing components are nested within the projector's existing geometric boundaries. The tubular guard fits within the frame structure, and O-rings are positioned in existing grooves, ensuring that the overall shape and dimensions of the projector remain unchanged
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding external protection that would alter the overall shape, the patent applies sealing elements locally at critical interfaces where water ingress is most likely (control means, Fresnel lens mounting, power supply compartment), preserving the projector's original shape while providing targeted protection
3Reliability
If the projector is designed for indoor use only, then water protection is improved, but adaptability to outdoor environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The O-rings and tubular guard create a flexible sealing system that protects the projector for outdoor use while maintaining the simple IP20-rated structure, enabling adaptability to outdoor environments without requiring complex protective housings
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple components (O-rings at different locations, tubular guard) that work together to provide comprehensive water protection, enabling the projector to be adapted for outdoor use while maintaining its basic simple structure
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a projector of light beams comprising a containment and support frame (1), having a main extension along the axis (F) of emission of a light beam; a light source (2) for projecting the light beam housed at a first end of the frame (1); a first lens (3) for emitting the light beam associated with the second end of the frame (1), opposite the first end; a second lens (4) configured for modifying, in amplitude, the light beam generated, positioned inside the frame (1), interposed between the light source (2) and the first lens (3); a unit (5) for powering and controlling the light source (1) and the movement of the second lens (4) housed in a compartment (6) of the frame (1); a plurality of rotatable control means (7), connected to the power supply and control unit (5), and configured for activating and/or adjusting the light source (2) and the movement of the second lens (4); the plurality of control means (7) having a rotatable cylindrical portion (8) positioned, at least partly, protruding outside the frame (1); each control means (7) is provided, in use, with at least a first sealing ring (9) interposed between the cylindrical portion (8) and an annular protruding flange (10) of the frame (1) and enclosing, in use, a part of the cylindrical portion (8) in such a way as to isolate in a sealed manner an inner part of each control means (7).