Projector Sealing Unit Rib Structure for Tolerance Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors using semiconductor light emitting devices face issues with sealing performance due to insufficient pressing or twisting of O-rings when attachment members are attached within permitted assembly tolerances, leading to potential leaks and reduced heat dissipation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sealing unit comprising a case with an annular flat plate seal member and annular rib portions made of elastic material, which abut with attachment surfaces of the case and attachment members, ensuring effective sealing and alignment even when the attachment members are inclined, thereby preventing twisting and maintaining sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If O-rings are used for sealing opening portions when attachment members are attached within permitted assembly tolerances, then the attachment process is simple and cost-effective, but the sealing performance deteriorates due to insufficient pressing or twisting of O-rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and geometric parameters of the seal member by providing both a flat plate portion and a rib portion with different heights. The rib portion protrudes higher than the flat plate portion, creating differential contact pressures that ensure reliable sealing even when attachment members are attached obliquely within permitted tolerances. This parameter change transforms the seal member from a simple O-ring into a composite structure with optimized pressing characteristics.
2Device complexity
If conventional O-rings are used for sealing, then the structure remains simple, but dust ingress and heat dissipation efficiency are compromised due to inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different portions of the seal member with different functions: the flat plate portion provides a base sealing surface, while the rib portion provides enhanced sealing pressure at critical locations. This local differentiation ensures effective dust prevention without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire sealing system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed sealing unit enhances the sealing performance of the projector's opening portions, ensuring effective heat dissipation and preventing dust ingress, while maintaining compactness and efficiency in projector design.
Implementation Method 1
an annular rib portion which is provided on one flat plate surface of the annular flat plate portion so as to rise therefrom and which is made of an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing unit has a case including an opening portion having an attachment surface, a seal member including an annular flat plate portion and an annular rib portion provided to rise from one flat plate surface of the annular flat plate portion and made of an elastic material, an attachment member including an annular attachment surface, a fixing member, and a fastening member, and an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib portion is brought into abutment with the attachment surface of the opening portion, an inner circumferential surface of the annular rib portion is brought into abutment with the attachment surface of the attachment member, the fixing member comes into abutment with the other flat plate surface of the seal member and is fixed to the attachment member, and the fastening member comes into abutment with the other flat surface and is fixed to the case.