Projector Shutter Unit Motor Radial Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors face challenges in miniaturization due to the size requirements of light-blocking shutters, which either need large spaces between or around the dichroic prism and projection lens, leading to increased projector size.
Innovation Solution
A projector design incorporating a shutter unit with a drive motor outside the lens movement area and a transmission member that moves a shutter member along the optical path, allowing for blocking of light between the optical member and projection system while minimizing space, using a configuration with multiple shutters and a gear system to efficiently manage the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light-blocking shutter is arranged between a dichroic prism and a projection lens, then the shutter can block external light, but the shutter needs a large space and therefore increases the size of the projector
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter unit is designed to utilize the radial direction (dimension perpendicular to the optical axis) for motor placement, while the shutter member itself moves along the optical path. This dimensional arrangement allows the motor to be positioned outside the facing area without interfering with the optical path, effectively using three-dimensional space optimization to reduce the overall projector footprint while maintaining light blocking functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If a light-blocking shutter takes a small space between a dichroic prism and a projection lens, then the space between components is reduced, but the shutter needs a large space around the projection lens and therefore increases the projector size
Solution Approach 1:
The motor component is extracted from the central optical path area and repositioned in the radial direction outside the facing area. This extraction removes the space conflict between the motor and the projection lens, allowing the shutter mechanism to occupy minimal space between the dichroic prism and projection lens while the motor operates independently in a separate spatial zone.
3Device complexity
If the drive motor is placed inside the facing area, then the shutter mechanism is compact, but the motor interferes with the projection system movement
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is repositioned from the axial direction (inside the facing area) to the radial direction (outside the facing area). This dimensional relocation maintains the compactness of the shutter mechanism along the optical path while eliminating interference with the projection system's movement in the axial direction, allowing both functions to coexist without spatial conflict.
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
This design enables the miniaturization of projectors by reducing the space needed between the dichroic prism and projection system, effectively blocking external light and preventing damage from high-intensity laser beams while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor 10; a transmission member 11 that transmits a rotational drive force of the drive motor 10
Implementation Method 2
a shutter unit 7 that is arranged between the optical member and the projection system and that can block an optical path between the optical member and the projection system
Data Source
AI summary
A projector according to the disclosure includes a projection system projecting image light onto a target projection surface, and a shutter unit that is arranged at a light incident side of the projection system and that can block an optical path. The shutter unit has a drive motor, a transmission member transmitting a rotational drive force of the drive motor, and a shutter member arranged on the optical path and moving, linked to a movement of the transmission member. The shutter member is provided facing a facing area facing the projection system. At least a part of the transmission member is provided facing the facing area. The drive motor is provided outside the facing area.