Platinum Digital and Electronic Device Design · 2025
Aurzen Zip Tri Fold Portable Projector
by Yang Cui
- A' Design Award 2025 Platinum Winner in Digital and Electronic Device Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 1,111,606
- Verification code 762728EF01 · Verify this award
About Aurzen Zip Tri Fold Portable Projector
Aurzen Zip is a tri-fold portable projector. The Z-shaped body folds into a compact form measuring 84 by 78 by 26 millimeters, allowing the projector to fit into a handbag or backpack. Two high-strength aluminum hinges let the height and the projection angle be adjusted without a separate stand. One-click screen mirroring works without Wi-Fi and supports iOS, Android, macOS and Windows. Time-of-flight autofocus and vertical keystone correction keep the image sharp. The built-in battery lasts up to 1.5 hours and supports fast charging.
Aurzen Design Team's Aurzen Zip Tri Fold Portable Projector represents a significant achievement in contemporary portable electronics design, demonstrating how thoughtful engineering can transform utilitarian technology into an object of considered aesthetic merit. The tri-fold configuration draws upon traditions of space-efficient design that span from traditional folding screens and portable writing desks to modern laptop engineering, yet advances these precedents through the integration of projection capabilities within an remarkably compact form factor. The design team appears to have approached the challenge of miniaturization not merely as a technical constraint but as an opportunity for formal innovation, resulting in a device whose deployed state possesses sculptural presence transcending pure functionality. The material palette of graphite polymer housings with brushed metallic accents suggests influence from premium smartphone and tablet design conventions, while the ventilation grille treatment introduces industrial character reminiscent of professional audio equipment. Particularly noteworthy is the chromatic restraint exercised throughout—the singular accent of illuminated cyan at the projection lens creates a focal hierarchy that guides user attention toward the device's essential function while establishing brand identity through technological luminosity. The inclusion of motivational text along the lower edge introduces an unexpected humanistic dimension, suggesting the designers conceived this object not merely as a tool but as a companion for creative endeavors and shared experiences. The floating presentation against an ethereal gradient background positions the projector within visual traditions of aspirational product photography, inviting viewers to imagine the possibilities this portable cinema might enable in their own lives.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Aurzen ZIP"Truly Portable Projector"
1.Portability: ZIP features a highly compact design, about the size of half an iPhone and just 1 inch thick (the size of a quarter), easily fitting into a handbag or backpack for ultimate portability.
2.Stability & Flexibility: Unlike traditional projectors that need external support, ZIP’s Z-shaped tri-fold design with dual high-strength aluminum hinges ensures flexible height and angle adjustments.
3.Screen Mirroring: ZIP offers effortless one-click screen mirroring without Wi-Fi, compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.
4.Auto Focus & Keystone Correction: With ToF zero-lag autofocus, ZIP automatically adjusts focus and vertical keystone correction, ensuring a sharp image.
5.Battery & Endurance: ZIP’s 5000mAh battery lasts up to 1.5 hours and supports 24W fast charging, ideal for extended use. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The ZIP projector measures 84 mm (L) x 78 mm (W) x 26 mm (H) and has a volume of 170 cubic centimeters in the folded state, with a thickness of only 1 inch (26 mm).
- Tags
- Projector, Foldable,Portable,Tri-fold
- Production Technology
- As the world's first tri-fold, truly portable projector, ZIP embodies innovative factors in every fold of its design. The first fold houses the world's thinnest 8mm HD optical engine and the tiniest DLP microchip. The second fold features dual high-strength aluminum hinges for precise angle adjustment and built-in ultra-thin stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience. The third fold incorporates a built-in battery and an anti-slip base, ensuring convenience and versatility across diverse usage scenarios.
- Design Challenge
- 1.Heat Dissipation: To manage the 15W of heat in such a compact design, we customized an ultra-thin (5mm) multi-blade silent fan to increase airflow, along with advanced graphene cooling technology for quick heat dissipation. We also added a high-low differential air channel at the bottom to increase air pressure using aerodynamic principles.
2.Hinges: ZIP's components are divided into three folds, connected by hinges and FPC, with a 6mm hinge diameter. To extend ZIP’s lifespan (50,000 folds), we used high-strength stainless steel for the hinges and custom high-toughness FPC material.
3.Antenna: Transmitting signals in a tight space is a challenge. After testing over 100 antenna prototypes, we achieved stable video signal transmission up to 30 meters.
4.Battery Life: We balanced portability with battery life by customizing a 5.2mm thick silicon anode battery with an energy density of 734 Wh/L, ensuring 1.5 hours of battery life. - Project Duration
- The program was launched in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China in 2022.06 and was first presented at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2025.03.
- Operation Flow
- ZIP simplifies projection with a tri-fold design for easy unfolding and adjustment, offering optimal viewing without an extra stand.
Compact and lightweight when folded, it’s perfect for travel, outdoor use, or home entertainment. One-click screen mirroring casts content without Wi-Fi. ToF zero-lag autofocus ensures sharp images. The built-in battery lasts 1.5 hours, and Type-C PD fast charging replenishes power quickly. Paired with PowerPlay, it extends playtime to 3 hours for uninterrupted viewing. - Research
- The Aurzen team researched and found that users prioritize portability and battery life when choosing portable projectors. To meet these needs, ZIP features a tri-fold design for enhanced portability and offers an optional charging stand to extend battery life. This study not only provides valuable insights for future portable projector designs but also reflects society's increasing demand for efficient, practical products, driving innovation in both functionality and design.
- Inspiration
- ZIP was inspired by the Aurzen team's challenging camping projection experience, where poor network signals, unstable brackets, and cumbersome setups highlighted the need for improvement. The frustrating experience led to the creation of ZIP's innovative tri-fold design and advanced projection technology.
- Image Credits
- Images 1-4: Creator JiaWei Shen (Tovey), 2024.
Image 5: Photographer Chen Liu, 2024.
video attribution：Creator HanCong Wang,2024. - Patents
- Patent has been granted. Patent No.:015069564 Patent Holder:Shenzhen Neutop Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. Year:2024
Colors of Aurzen Zip Tri Fold Portable Projector
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