Projector Lens Mounting via Nested Flange Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor projectors face challenges in quickly and precisely accessorizing with additional lenses without specialized equipment, leading to issues like optical misalignment, efficiency loss, and rapid deterioration of plastic lenses exposed to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A projector design featuring a movable flange system with curved channels and a flexible annular body allows for quick, tool-free mounting and removal of additional lenses, ensuring precise centring and locking without affecting the projector's structure or operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an additional lens is mounted on the outer side of the frame through an independent support, then the lens can be easily installed without complex assembly, but it creates a distance between the lens and front glass that causes optical misalignment and efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The annular supporting body is nested within the frame structure, with curved channels formed directly on the frame's annular edge. The supporting body engages with these channels through recesses in its edge, creating a nested arrangement that ensures precise optical alignment while allowing easy installation without external supports.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic lenses are used for additional lenses, then they are easier to manufacture and install, but they deteriorate rapidly when exposed to moist environments or direct sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The annular supporting body is made of flexible rubber material that provides protection and sealing for the plastic lens. This flexible shell structure allows the easy-to-manufacture plastic lens to be protected from environmental deterioration while maintaining the manufacturing advantages of plastic materials.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used to mount the additional lens, then the lens positioning is stable, but the assembly and disassembly require specialized tools and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The movable flange equipped with a curved channel allows the annular supporting body to be dynamically inserted and locked into position. The flange can move between a retracted position (allowing easy insertion) and an extended position (providing stable locking), enabling quick tool-free installation while maintaining stable positioning during use.
4Ease of operation
If the lens is positioned at a distance from the front glass, then it is easier to install and remove, but it causes unwanted escape of lateral light and loss of efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The annular supporting body is nested within the frame structure with curved channels formed directly on the frame. This nested arrangement positions the lens close to the front glass without requiring complex assembly, as the supporting body integrates with the frame's annular edge, thereby preventing lateral light escape while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a projector of a light beam comprising a projector body (1) having a first end (1a) and a second end (1b) defining a longitudinal axis of extension; a light source (2), positioned inside the projector body (1) close to the first end (1a) and configured to emit a light beam along a direction (F) and in a sense of emission from the first end (1a) to the second end (1b) of the projector body (1); a front covering glass (3) for the outlet of the light beam positioned at the second end (1b) of the projector body (1); a plurality of flanges (4a-4d) associated with the annular edge (5) of the second end (1b) of the projector body (1); each flange (4a-4d) protrudes parallel with the direction (F) of emission of the light beam; each flange (4a-4d) is provided with at least one curved channel (6) formed on its inner surface; an annular body (7) for housing a first lens (8) configured for modifying the projection of the light beam; the annular body (7) has an edge (7a) configured for housing, in use, inside the relative channel (6) present on each flange (4a-4d); means (9) for quick, reversible locking of the annular body (7) on the flanges (4a-4d) located on at least one of the flanges (4a-4d) and configured to stably position the first lens (7) close to front glass (3) in a position centred relative to the direction (F) of the light beam.