Projector Support Member Segmentation for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors face the challenge of increased weight due to the need for higher rigidity in the exterior casing to support the optical unit and base, which leads to stress concentration at the foot or handle positions, making it difficult to balance weight and rigidity without increasing the projector's overall weight.
Innovation Solution
The projector design incorporates a support member with first and second support members that sandwich the image projection device, allowing the exterior casing to be lighter by distributing the weight of the image projection device and support member to the foot portion or handle, eliminating the need for increased casing rigidity, thus reducing the projector's weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the exterior casing is increased to secure rigidity and restrain bending due to the weight of the base and optical unit, then the load bearing capacity of the exterior casing is improved, but the weight of the projector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the exterior casing and a separate base member. The base member independently supports the optical unit and bears the weight, while the exterior casing only needs to provide structural enclosure. This segmentation allows the exterior casing to be thinner and lighter while still maintaining adequate rigidity for its reduced load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight-bearing function is extracted from the exterior casing and transferred to a dedicated base member. By taking out the support function from the casing, the design eliminates the need for the casing to bear the full weight of the optical unit, thereby reducing the required thickness and weight of the exterior casing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rigidity of the exterior casing is increased to support the optical unit and base, then the stability of the projector is improved, but the weight of the exterior casing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is segmented into two components: the exterior casing for enclosure and the base member for stability. The base member with its thicker construction provides the necessary stability and rigidity, while the exterior casing maintains adequate stability for its lighter, enclosure-only function.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability-function is extracted from the exterior casing and assigned to a separate base member. This extraction allows the exterior casing to be lighter while the base member independently provides the necessary structural stability through its own rigidity.
3Strength
If the thickness of the case is increased to prevent bending under the weight of the base and optical unit, then the strength of the case is improved, but the weight of the projector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strength function is segmented between the exterior casing and the base member. The base member independently provides the strength to counteract the weight of the optical unit and prevent bending, while the exterior casing only needs sufficient strength for its enclosure function, allowing it to be thinner and lighter.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight-bearing strength is extracted from the exterior casing and transferred to the base member. This extraction eliminates the need for the exterior casing to be thick and heavy, as the base member independently provides the necessary strength to support the optical unit's weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes: an optical unit as an image projection device which forms and projects an image; a support member which supports the optical unit; an exterior casing which forms an exterior and houses the optical unit and the support member; and at least one of a foot portion and a handle which is provided on the support member and exposed outside the exterior casing and supports the support member.