InFocus Corporation, a pioneer in the mobile projector industry, has long been known for its innovative approach to portable display technology. The company introduced the first mobile projection system that allows users to display computer content on a large screen, revolutionizing the way presentations are conducted in both business and educational settings. Over time, this combination of notebooks, software, and projectors became a standard tool for demonstrations, making InFocus a key player in the market.
In 2000, as competition intensified, InFocus evaluated its product development platform to maintain its competitive edge. At the time, engineers were using I-DEAS 3D CAD on UNIX workstations, but they needed a more efficient system to handle increasingly complex designs. According to David Mulholland, a senior applications engineer at InFocus, the industry was trending toward smaller and lighter projectors with more intricate, curved shapes. This shift required advanced tools to manage the design process effectively.
After evaluating several CAD systems, InFocus ultimately chose SolidWorks Professional. Mulholland noted that SolidWorks offered an intuitive interface, powerful features, and integrated product data management—making it a cost-effective and efficient solution. "With SolidWorks, we can do things more easily than with I-DEAS," he said. "It felt like the best choice during our evaluation, and the price was very reasonable."
The implementation of SolidWorks allowed InFocus engineers to focus more on innovation during the conceptual design phase. The software facilitated collaboration between mechanical and electrical teams, with mechanical engineers designing enclosures and components while electrical engineers worked on circuit boards. CircuitWorks was used to integrate these boards into the SolidWorks model, streamlining the workflow.
Designing compact projectors presented unique challenges, especially when fitting over 500 parts into a shrinking space. SolidWorks’ dynamic collision detection helped engineers identify and resolve design conflicts efficiently. For injection-molded parts, the software’s draft analysis tools ensured proper wall thickness and moldability, reducing potential manufacturing issues.
InFocus also utilized SolidWorks Simulation for stress analysis and SolidWorks PDM for managing design data across the team. These tools significantly improved efficiency and accuracy. “SolidWorks Simulation is really powerful,†Mulholland explained. “It makes setting up loads and conditions much easier. And SolidWorks PDM is user-friendly and does everything we need.â€
The LP120 Mobile Projector was the first product fully designed using SolidWorks. Featuring a lightweight magnesium frame, it weighs just 1.98 pounds and fits in a briefcase alongside a notebook. The product received the “Editor’s Choice Award†from LAPTOP magazine, reinforcing InFocus’s leadership in mobile projection technology.
“We’ve been very successful with the LP120,†Mulholland emphasized. “We don’t just follow trends—we push boundaries. SolidWorks supports our goals by helping us create higher-quality products and drive innovation.†With its advanced tools, InFocus continues to lead the market, setting new standards for mobility and performance in projectors.
Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinder
A single acting hydraulic cylinder is a type of hydraulic cylinder that uses hydraulic pressure to move in one direction only. It is designed to extend or retract under pressure from one side only, using a piston and rod assembly. The cylinder is usually mounted in a fixed position and the force is applied to the piston rod to move the load. Single acting hydraulic cylinders are commonly used in applications where the load needs to be raised or lowered, such as in dump trucks, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery. They are also used in industrial applications where precise control is required, such as in metalworking and material handling equipment.
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