System for coupling systems

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system that couples systems. In one example, the coupling system includes: a frame including a plurality of mounts arranged circumferentially along a ring of the frame; and a coupling device engaged with a first mount of the plurality of mounts and a second mount of the second frame. The plurality of mounts and the second mount include guide rails complementary to the grooves of the coupling device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 603,023, filed on November 27, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR AN OPTICAL DEVICE”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 603,021, filed on November 27, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR A COUPLING SYSTEM”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 603,019, filed on November 27, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR AN OPTICAL DEVICE”. The entire contents of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to coupling systems for mounting instruments, such as optical instruments. Background Art

[0004] Mounting the appliances in columns and / or rows (such as in a grid arrangement) may result in a relatively high load on the structural frame along with the appliances. In addition, installing the appliances may be time consuming. Furthermore, it may be difficult to tell whether the structural frame is properly installed. For example, there may be no visual indication whether the interlocking components are securely interlocked. Depending on the height of the columns or the width of the rows, sagging may occur, resulting in the appliances not being at the same level with each other. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides support for a coupling system. The coupling system includes: a frame including a plurality of mounts arranged circumferentially along a ring of the frame; and a coupling device that engages with a first mount of the plurality of mounts and a second mount of a second frame. The frame and the second frame may be identical and horizontally adjacent or vertically adjacent. The plurality of mounts and the second mount include guide rails that are complementary to grooves of the coupling device.

[0006] In this way, the frames and coupling devices can interlock to form various configurations including rows and / or columns, such as a grid. The coupling system can support multiple appliances, such as optical devices, with one appliance per frame. The coupling system can be fixed to a fixed structure so that the coupling system is suspended from the top. The coupling system of the present disclosure can reduce the load bearing of the appliance. In addition, sag can be reduced by including horizontal coupling devices and vertical coupling devices between horizontally adjacent frames and vertically adjacent frames, respectively. In addition, the coupling device may include an indicator showing whether the coupling device is in a locked position.

[0007] It should be understood that the above summary is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that will be further described in the detailed description. The summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is solely defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. In addition, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that address any disadvantages described above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 showing a cross-sectional view of an optical device;

[0010] Figure 2A Examples of LEDs, light mixing rods, and lenses showing optical devices;

[0011] Figure 2B Show LED;

[0012] Figures 3A to 3C A light engine of an optical device is shown, the light engine comprising an LED, a light mixing rod and a plurality of heat exchangers;

[0013] Figures 4A to 4D A lens actuation system of an optical device is shown;

[0014] Figure 5 a perspective view showing a portion of a housing of an optical device coupled to a lens;

[0015] Figure 6 showing a cross-sectional view of an optical device;

[0016] Figure 7 showing the lens in a first position;

[0017] Fig. 8A and 8B showing the lens in a second position;

[0018] Fig. 9A first view of the frame is shown;

[0019] Fig.10 showing a second view of the frame;

[0020] Fig.11 showing a third view of the frame;

[0021] Fig.12 A first view showing a coupling device;

[0022] Fig.13 showing a cross-sectional view of the coupling device;

[0023] Fig.14A and 14B A first position and a second position of the coupling device are shown respectively;

[0024] Fig.15 showing the coupling device positioned to engage with the mounting seat of the frame;

[0025] Fig.16 The coupling device is shown engaged with the mounting seat of the frame;

[0026] Fig.17 showing a further coupling device positioned to engage with a further mount of the frame;

[0027] Fig.18 showing a plurality of coupling devices engaged with a plurality of mounts of the frame;

[0028] Fig.19 a detailed view showing the coupling device engaged with the mounting seat of the frame;

[0029] Fig. 20 showing a plurality of apparatuses, such as optical devices, interconnected via a plurality of frames;

[0030] Fig.21A and 21B showing a detailed view of the mount;

[0031] Fig. 22 showing a detailed view of the coupling device positioned to engage with the mount;

[0032] Fig.23 showing a coupling system comprising a plurality of frames and a plurality of coupling devices; and

[0033] Fig.24 and 25 A flow chart showing a method for operating a lens actuation system.

[0034] Figures 1 to 23 Shown approximately to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure provides support for a coupling system including at least one frame and at least one fixture. The coupling system can be configured to interlock multiple instruments with each other to produce an array, grid or lattice structure. For example, the multiple instruments can include optical instruments. Figure 1 and 6 A cross-sectional view of an optical device that can be secured by a coupling system is shown. In at least some examples, the optical device includes a lens partially enclosed in a housing and a light engine, the light engine including a light emitting diode (LED), a light mixing rod, and a plurality of heat exchangers. In at least some examples, the LED is in face-sharing contact with the light mixing rod. Figure 2A and 2B Examples of LEDs, light mixing rods and lenses of the optical device are shown. Figures 3A to 3B A view of a light engine is shown. The optical device may include a lens actuation system adapted to move the lens in a linear path between an upstream position where the lens is closest to the LED and a downstream position where the lens is farthest from the LED. Figures 4A to 5 A lens actuation system and a portion of a housing to which the lens actuation system may be coupled are shown in various views. Figure 7 further showing a lens actuation system in a first position, and Fig. 8A and 8B The lens actuation system is further shown in a second position, wherein the first position is further upstream than the second position. Fig.25 A flow chart showing a method for operating a lens actuation system. Fig.24 A flow chart showing a method for moving a lens to a target position or at a target frequency.

[0036] The coupling system may include at least one frame and at least one coupling device, wherein the at least one coupling device is configured to couple a plurality of utensils (e.g., Figures 1 to 8B optical devices, other optical devices, audio devices, combinations thereof, etc.) are interlocked with each other. Figures 9 to 11 An illustrative framework is shown. Fig.12 and 13 An exemplary coupling device is shown in perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively. The coupling device may be in Fig.14A In the first position shown or Fig. 14B For example, the first position may be an unlocked (e.g., disengaged) position, and the second position may be a locked (e.g., engaged) position. Specifically, the coupling device may engage with a mounting seat of the frame, such as Fig.21A and 21B The mount is shown in a detailed view. Fig.15 and 22 The coupling device is shown positioned to engage with the mount of the frame. Fig.16A coupling device is shown engaging with a mounting seat of a frame. There may be more than one coupling device engaging with each frame. Thus, Fig.17 A further coupling means is shown positioned to engage with a further mount of the frame. Fig.18 The coupling device is shown engaged with the mounting seat of the frame. Fig.19 A detailed view showing the coupling device engaging with the mount of the frame. Fig. 20 A first example of a coupling system is shown, comprising a plurality of appliances interconnected via a plurality of frames and a plurality of coupling devices, such as Figures 1 to 8B optical device. Fig.23 A second example of a coupling system suspended vertically from a support according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] It should be understood that the specific components and systems shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. For discussion purposes, the drawings are collectively described. Therefore, similar elements may be collectively referred to herein with similar reference numerals and may not be reintroduced.

[0038] Now go to Figure 1 , which shows an optical device 100 including a housing 102 . Figure 1 2 to 8B show a set of reference axes 101 including an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis for comparing the orientation of the views shown therein. The x-axis may be parallel to the direction of movement of the lens 150 of the optical device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the z-axis and the y-axis may be parallel to the plane in which the lens 150 sits. Additionally or alternatively, the x-axis may be parallel to the general direction of light traveling through the optical device 100. Additionally or alternatively, during operation (e.g., movement, rotation, etc.) of the optical device 100, in at least some positions of the optical device, the z-axis may be parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0039] As used herein, "upstream" may refer to a component or system, a position of a component or system, or a direction oriented in a relatively negative x-direction (e.g., a direction of movement). Additionally, as used herein, "downstream" may refer to a component or system, a position of a component or system, or a direction oriented in a relatively positive x-direction (e.g., a direction of movement). As an example, light may travel through the optical device 100 in a downstream direction. The upstream position of the optical device 100 may describe the position of all movable components of the optical device 100, with the lens 150 being located farthest upstream. Similarly, the downstream position of the optical device 100 may describe the position of all movable components of the optical device 100, with the lens 150 being located farthest downstream. The optical device 100 may transition between an upstream position and a downstream position via a lens actuation system. The lens actuation system may operate continuously during repeated switching between the upstream position and the downstream position, rather than including discrete stops at each of the upstream position and the downstream position, as further described below.

[0040] In one example, the optical device 100 is a light fixture. The housing 102 may include a front section 104 and a rear section 106. Although described as separate parts, it should be appreciated that the housing 102 may be manufactured as a single unitary piece or multiple pieces without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] The rear section 106 may surround one or more of the light emitting diode (LED) 112, the light mixing rod 114, the light rod housing 116, the light rod cap 122, the resilient member 124, the fluid manifold 130, and the plurality of heat exchangers 132. The rear section 106 may include a plurality of grids 134.

[0042] The LED element 112 can be in surface-sharing contact with the light mixing rod 114. In one example, the optical device 100 can be configured to rotate in multiple directions. The light mixing rod 114 can maintain surface-sharing contact with the LED element 112 within the range of motion of the optical device 100.

[0043] In the previous example, there is a gap between the LED and the light mixing bar. Figure 1In an example, the thickness of the LED element 112 (e.g., the dimension parallel to the x-axis) is increased relative to the previous example of the optical device. Specifically, the glass thickness of the glass cover of the LED element 112 can be increased. Relative to the previous example, with this increased thickness, the LED element 112 can be configured to withstand the pressure applied to the LED element 112 by the mixing rod 114 during actuation of the optical device 100. In one example, the thickness of the surface of the LED is greater than 0.5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the surface of the LED is between 0.55 mm and 1.0 mm. As another example, the thickness of the surface of the LED is between 0.55 mm and 0.8 mm. In one example, the mixing rod 114 and the LED element 112 are a single integral piece. As another example, the mixing rod 114 and the LED element 112 can be separate pieces. The increased thickness of the glass cover of the LED element 112 can resist degradation while pressing against the mixing rod 114 within the range of motion of the optical device 100.

[0044] exist Figure 2A , LED elements 112, light mixing rod 114, and lens 150 are shown. In at least some examples, lens 150 is a Fresnel lens. Additionally or alternatively, the lens can be constructed of a lightweight material such as plastic. Additionally or alternatively, lens 150 can be a front lens. Additionally or alternatively, lens 150 can be the only lens 150 included in optical device 100.

[0045] Figure 2A The LED element 112 is shown in surface-sharing contact with the light mixing rod 114, wherein the light mixing rod 114 is spaced away from the lens 150. For more detailed purposes, Figure 2B LED element 112 is also shown enlarged. LED element 112 may include LED 208, which may be a single LED or a group of LEDs. In examples where LED 208 includes a group of LEDs, the LEDs may be arranged in clusters, such as Figure 2BAs shown. In one example, LED element 112 can emit red light, green light, white light and blue light. In other examples, LED element 112 can emit additional or alternative colors. For example, LED element 112 can be a square, and its side length 202 is approximately 10 mm to 20 mm. However, other sizes and shapes are also possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As described above, compared with conventional LEDs, the transparent cover 204 of LED element 112 may have an increased thickness (e.g., a dimension parallel to the x-axis). Transparent cover 204 may be made of glass or other transparent materials. For example, the thickness of transparent cover 204 may be greater than 0.6 mm. Additionally or alternatively, transparent cover 204 may be between 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm in thickness. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of transparent cover 204 may be one-tenth of the side length 202 or less. Transparent cover 204 may be suitable for protecting LED 208 of LED element 112.

[0046] In addition, in the optical device 100 of the present disclosure, by positioning the transparent cover 204 and the light mixing rod 114 to make face-sharing contact, the air gap between the LED and the light mixing rod in at least some previous examples of the optical device can be eliminated. In this way, the distance traveled by the light from the LED to the light mixing rod 114 (e.g., through the transparent cover 204) can be reduced compared to the example in which the light travels through glass (or other transparent materials) and air before reaching the light mixing rod. In addition, due to the difference in refraction of light in air and transparent materials such as glass, removing the air gap can allow the light beam to be more focused, and therefore a larger amount of light can be transmitted through the light mixing rod. Still further, smaller tolerances may cause the distance between the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114 to vary between optical devices. For example, only the thickness of the LED can be considered, rather than considering the thickness tolerance of both the LED and the air gap. In this way, manufacturing variations between optical devices can be reduced, thereby allowing different optical devices to produce more similar optical effects and thus obtain higher performance quality.

[0047] Back to Figure 1 , the light bar housing 116 can house the light mixing bar 114. The light mixing bar 114 can be in the shape of a bar and configured to homogenize the light emitted by the LED element 112. The light mixing bar 114 can include an integral diffuser located at one end adjacent to the light bar cap 122. The light bar housing 116 can include one or more guide features configured to center the light mixing bar 114 relative to the LED element 112, such as those described below. Figure 3C The guiding feature 316 is provided.

[0048] In addition, a fixing system can be implemented to ensure that contact between the light mixing rod 114 and the LED element 112 is maintained throughout the actuation process of the optical device 100. For example, the light mixing rod 114 can be held against the LED element 112 via a resilient member 124. In one example, the resilient member 124 includes one or more springs. The resilient member 124 can be physically coupled to the light stick cap 122 and the surface on which the LED element 112 is mounted. Therefore, the light stick cap 122 can be pulled against the light stick housing 116, and the light stick housing 116 can be pulled against the LED element 112. That is, the light stick housing 116 can be compressed between the LED element 112 and the light stick cap 122. The transparent cover (e.g., Figure 2B The increased thickness of the transparent cover 204 can strengthen the transparent cover to reduce (e.g., prevent) the likelihood of it degrading under the compressive force applied by the resilient member 124. Therefore, in addition to or as an alternative to the other examples of transparent cover thickness provided herein, the thickness can be selected based on the strength of the resilient member 124. Figures 3A to 3C The resilient member 124 is further described.

[0049] The fluid manifold 130 may be disposed between the LED elements 112 and a surface of the housing 102. For example, the fluid manifold 130 may be in face-sharing contact with a surface of the housing 102. The fluid manifold 130 may be included in a thermal management system further comprising a plurality of heat exchangers 132, a plurality of grids 134, and a fan 136 fluidly coupled to the fluid manifold, wherein the thermal management system is configured to cool one or more components in the rear section 106. The plurality of heat exchangers 132 may be configured to radially surround the light bar housing 116, thereby making the optical device 100 more compact than other examples in which the heat exchangers are located elsewhere (e.g., between the LEDs and the surface of the housing 102 where the fluid manifold 130 is located) and do not surround any components on more than one side. About Figures 3A to 3C The thermal management system is further described.

[0050] The optical device 100 may include a control system 180 that includes a controller 170, one or more actuators (including the motor 140), and one or more sensors (e.g., a magnetic sensor located on the PCB 152). The controller 170 may be communicatively coupled to the actuators and sensors, such as via a wired or wireless connection. The controller 170 may include a computer program stored therein with executable programs to perform the methods of the present disclosure (such as Fig.25The control system 180 may include a non-volatile memory of instructions for moving the lens 150 to a target position or at a target frequency (method 2500). The control system 180 may include a device for entering user input, including a button, for example, to enter a target position or a target frequency. In examples where multiple optical devices 100 are used in combination, the control system 180 may control the optical devices 100 simultaneously. Thus, one or more actuators and one or more sensors may belong to separate optical devices 100, and the controller 170 may be communicatively coupled to more than one optical device 100.

[0051] Figure 3A , 3B 3C and 3C respectively show the light engine 300 including the LED element 112, the light mixing rod 114 and the plurality of heat exchangers 132 in more detail in the first view 310, the second view 320 and the third view 330. The second view 320 is along Figure 3A The third view 330 is a cross section of the first view 310 taken along a cutting plane BB′.

[0052] The plurality of heat exchangers 132 may surround the light mixing rod 114, as described above. For example, the plurality of heat exchangers 132 may radially surround the light rod housing 116 around at least a portion (such as half or more) of the periphery of the light rod housing 116. The plurality of heat exchangers 132 may include a substantially planar shape normal to the central axis 306 of the light mixing rod 114. The light rod housing 116 may be spaced apart from the plurality of heat exchangers 132. For example, the plurality of heat exchangers 132 may include a cutout forming a U-shaped opening 318, where the light rod housing 116 containing the light mixing rod 114 is located without physical contact between the light rod housing and the light mixing rod. In this manner, the plurality of heat exchangers 132 may surround the bottom 342 (e.g., the area facing the negative z-direction) and both sides 344 (e.g., the area facing the y-direction) of the light bar housing 116, thereby increasing heat removal compared to placing the plurality of heat exchangers 132 adjacent to the light bar housing 116 without wrapping around the light bar housing (e.g., without being configured to receive the U-shaped opening 318 of the light bar housing 116).

[0053] In alternative examples, the plurality of heat exchangers 132 may surround the sides 344 and the top 346 (e.g., the area facing the positive z-direction) of the light bar housing 116. In yet other examples, the plurality of heat exchangers 132 may surround the top 346, the bottom 342, and one or both sides 344 of the light bar housing 116. For example, the plurality of heat exchangers 132 may include aligned through holes such that the light bar housing extends through the through holes and is circumferentially surrounded by the plurality of heat exchangers 132. In any of the examples of the arrangement of the plurality of heat exchangers 132, two or more of the top 346, the bottom 342, and the two sides 344 of the light bar housing 116 may be surrounded by the plurality of heat exchangers 132. For example, three or more of the top 346, the bottom 342, and the two sides 344 may be positioned adjacent to (and spaced away from) a portion of the plurality of heat exchangers 132. In this manner, thermal management capabilities may be enhanced and packaging volume may be reduced compared to a system in which the thermal management system does not radially surround the light engine 300.

[0054] The plurality of heat exchangers 132 may include one or more light leakage features 302 configured to block light emission from certain areas, such as areas adjacent to the upstream heat exchanger 314 and the downstream heat exchanger 312. The light leakage features 302 may protrude laterally from the upstream heat exchanger 314 and the downstream heat exchanger 312 and be inclined toward the central axis 306.

[0055] The plurality of heat exchangers 132 may be mounted to the heat exchanger 132 via one or more of fasteners, welding, welding, adhesives, or a combination thereof. Figure 1 housing 102. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of heat exchangers 132 may be held via one or more tubes 304. The tubes 304 may be configured to conduct fluid from the fluid manifold 130 to each of the plurality of heat exchangers 132. The fluid manifold 130 and the plurality of heat exchangers 132 may be fluidly coupled via the tubes 304. The tubes 304 may extend through the plurality of heat exchangers 132 parallel to the light mixing rod 114 (e.g., parallel to the central axis 306) and normal to the plurality of heat exchangers 132. The plurality of heat exchangers 132 may include a protrusion 322 extending from the downstream heat exchanger 312, the protrusion at least partially circumferentially surrounding the tube 304 for stabilizing the tube. The tube 304 may end in a cap 308 adjacent to the downstream heat exchanger 312. The tubes 304 may be arranged symmetrically about the light mixing rod housing 116. Despite the presence Figures 3A to 3C Four tubes 304 are shown, but in other examples, there may be more or fewer tubes 304 for directing fluid through the heat exchanger 132. Thus, in other examples, there may be more or fewer protrusions 322.

[0056] The light rod housing 116 includes guide features 316 configured to center the light mixing rod 114 relative to the light rod housing 116 and, therefore, relative to the LED elements 112. For example, the guide features 316 may protrude inwardly from the inner wall of the light rod housing 116 toward the light mixing rod 114. The guide features 316 may be arranged symmetrically (e.g., circumferentially equidistantly). There may be three or more guide features 316. For example, there may be four guide features 316, such as Figure 3C By centering the light mixing rod 114 with the LED elements 112 using the guide features 316, the quality of the optical effects produced by light traveling from the LED elements 112 through the light mixing rod 114 may be improved.

[0057] LED element 112 may be mounted on surface 326, for example, via a thermally conductive adhesive. Surface 326 may be a heat sink. In this manner, LED element 112 may be cooled via heat transfer through the thermally conductive adhesive to surface 326 of the heat sink. LED element 112 may be fixed relative to tube 304 and fluid manifold 130, which may be fixed relative to Figure 1 and 6 The housing 102 of the optical device 100 is shown as being fixed.

[0058] In addition, the LED element 112 can be in surface-sharing contact with the light mixing rod 114, as described above. Figure 2B The transparent cover 204 of the optical device 100 can make surface-sharing contact with the light mixing rod 114. The resilient member 124 can ensure that contact between the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114 is maintained throughout the actuation of the optical device 100. For example, actuation of the optical device 100 can include rotation, which can exert a separation centrifugal force on components of the optical device 100 (such as the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114).

[0059] As described above, the light mixing rod 114 can be held (e.g., spring loaded) against the LED element 112 via the resilient member 124 during the entire actuation process of the optical device 100. The resilient member 124 may include one or more springs (e.g., one or more compression springs). For example, the resilient member 124 may include two springs (e.g., two compression springs) arranged in parallel with the central axis 306. The two springs may be positioned so that one is located at each of the top 346 and the bottom 342 of the light rod housing 116. Alternatively, the resilient member 124 may include two springs arranged in parallel with the central axis 306, one of which is located on each of the two sides 344 of the light rod housing 116. The resilient member 124 may include two or more springs arranged symmetrically around the light rod housing 116. As an example, the resilient member 124 may include four compression springs arranged so that one is located on each of the top 346, the bottom 342, and the side 344. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient member 124 may include one or more elastic bands (e.g., rubber bands) having sufficient resistance to stretching. Additionally or alternatively, the resilient member 124 may include any other resilient (e.g., elastic) component that is capable of providing a tension greater than the separation force applied to the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114, for example, due to its rotation according to the rotation of the housing 102.

[0060] The resilient member 124 (e.g., one or more springs, elastic bands, combinations thereof, etc.) can physically and elastically couple the light stick cap 122 at the first end of the light mixing stick 114 to the fixing member 324 at the second end of the light mixing stick 114, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end. The fixing member 324 can be fixed (e.g., via fasteners 328, welding, welding, adhesives, etc.) to the surface 326 where the LED element 112 is located. In this way, the resilient member 124 can be physically coupled to the light stick cap 122 and the fixing member 324 fixed to the surface 326. The fixing member 324 can be integral with the surface 326, so that the resilient member 124 is directly physically coupled to the surface 326 rather than indirectly coupled to the surface 326 such as via the fixing member 324.

[0061] The resilient member 124 may extend parallel to the light rod housing 116 between the surface 326 and the light rod cap 122. For example, the resilient member 124 may extend parallel to the central axis 306 centered above the light mixing rod 114 and the light rod housing 116. In addition, the resilient member 124 may contact the light rod housing 116. For example, the light rod housing 116 may include a centered protrusion 352 located on the spring side of the resilient member 124. In addition or alternatively, the light rod housing 116 may include a groove 354 suitable for centering the resilient member 124 relative to it. For example, the groove 354 may be contoured according to the shape of the resilient member 124. In one example, the groove 354 may be semi-annular to partially circumferentially surround the compression spring. The groove 354 and / or the centered protrusion 352 may extend axially along the length of the light rod housing 116 on the top 346, the bottom 342 and / or the side 344 according to the configuration of the resilient member 124. The groove 354 and / or the central protrusion 352 may contact and support the resilient member 124 .

[0062] The light bar housing 116 may include a tab 332 that is bent radially outward toward the fixing member 324. In this way, the light bar housing 116 can be kept spaced away from the LED element 112 to protect the translucent cover of the LED element 112 from mechanical degradation. In addition, if the light bar housing 116 is displaced toward the light bar cap 122, in addition to the light bar housing 116 hitting the light bar cap 122, the light bar housing 116 can also stop before contacting the LED element 112 by pressing against the tab 332 of the fixing member 324. Alternatively, the light bar housing 116 can be integral with the fixing member 324. In this way, the light bar housing 116 can be directly fixed to the surface 326 (e.g., via fasteners 328, welding, welding, adhesive, etc.), so that the light bar housing 116 is spaced away from the LED element 112 and centered around the LED element. Thus, the resilient member 124 can be physically coupled to the light stick cap 122 at a first end and to the surface 326 on which the LED element 112 is mounted at a second end, either directly or indirectly (eg, via the securing member 324 ).

[0063] The light stick cap 122 may be in face-sharing contact with the light mixing stick 114. The light mixing stick 114 may include a widened portion 334 at one end adjacent to the light mixing stick cap 122, the diameter of the widened portion being greater than the diameter of the rest of the light mixing stick 114. The widened portion 334 may be inserted between the light stick cap 122 and the light stick housing 116. The light stick housing 116 may include a circumferential notch to accommodate the widened portion 334. Therefore, the light mixing stick 114 may be inserted and compressed between the light stick cap 122 and the LED element 112 via the resilient member 124. By elastically coupling the light stick cap 122 to the surface 326 (e.g., via the resilient member 124 and the fixing member 324), the light stick cap 122 can be pulled toward the LED element 112, thereby pressing against the light mixing stick 114 and / or the light stick housing 116, so that the light mixing stick 114 is spring-loaded and can withstand the forces experienced during movement (e.g., rotation) of the light engine 300 without separating the LED element 112 from the light mixing stick 114.

[0064] For example, return to Figure 1 , the resilient member 124 can provide a force that maintains contact between the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114 throughout the movement of the optical device 100. For example, the optical device 100 can rotate, swivel, pivot, or perform another movement, wherein the resilient member 124 is configured to maintain the surface-sharing contact between the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114 through these movements. Therefore, the resistance of the resilient member 124 to stretching (e.g., the spring constant in the example where the resilient member 124 includes a spring) can be selected based on the maximum force experienced during the movement of the optical device 100. For example, the resistance of the resilient member to stretching can be greater than the maximum separation force experienced during the movement of the optical device 100 (e.g., rotation, swivel, pivot, etc.).

[0065] In this manner, omitting an air gap between the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114 can reduce tolerance considerations (e.g., tolerances of fasteners and components to ensure sufficient air gap thickness), and thus reduce variations in the distance between the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114. For example, the only variation in the distance between the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114 between the optical device 100 can be attributed to variations in the thickness of the transparent cover of the LED element 112 (e.g., within manufacturing tolerances of LED thickness). Due to the resilient member 124, small variations in the thickness of the LED element 112 (e.g., within manufacturing tolerances) do not affect the security of the coupling between the LED element 112 and the light mixing rod 114. Furthermore, by providing a tension in the coupling between the LED element 112 and the mixing rod 114 that exceeds the force applied to the light engine 300 during actuation of the optical device 100, the contact between the LED element 112 and the mixing rod 114 can be more securely maintained to couple the mixing rod 114 with the LED element 112 in surface-sharing contact compared to operating a non-resilient fastener (e.g., bolts, welds, adhesives, etc.).

[0066] The optical device 100 further includes a cone 126 disposed around the light wand cap 122. The cone 126 may extend from the rear section 106 of the housing 102 and into the front section 104. The diameter of the cone 126 may increase in the downstream direction (e.g., the positive x-direction) such that the largest diameter of the cone 126 is disposed in the front section 104 and the smallest diameter of the cone 126 is disposed toward the rear section 106.

[0067] The cone 126 can block light from entering the optical device 100 and contacting the back of the cone 126 (e.g., the cone 126 with respect to the Figure 1 The cone 126 may be configured to block light (e.g., light emitted from the sun or other external light source) from being focused by the lens 150 onto components behind the cone 126, the lens including the light engine 300. Additionally or alternatively, the cone 126 may be configured as a heat sink and thus may provide a certain amount of thermal management to the optical device 100. The cone 126 may be further configured to support a plurality of backlight LEDs 127. For example, the cone 126 may include an annular section 154 protruding from a wide end (e.g., a downstream end) of the cone 126 and facing parallel to the lens 150. The plurality of backlight LEDs 127 may be distributed in a circular pattern along the circumference of the cone 126. Specifically, the plurality of backlight LEDs 127 may be arranged along the annular section 154. Thus, the backlight LEDs 127 may be located between the light mixing bar 114 and the movable lens 150. The plurality of backlight LEDs 127 may be configured to produce lighting effects.

[0068] The front section 104 may further surround a motor 140, a connecting link 142, and an articulated arm including a first arm 144 and a second arm 146. The second arm 146 may be coupled to a lens frame 148 that houses a lens 150. The motor 140, the connecting link 142, the first arm 144, the second arm 146, the lens frame 148, and the lens 150 may be included in Figures 4A to 4D The lens actuation system 400 is shown. The lens actuation system 400 allows the position of the lens 150 within the housing 102 to be adjusted.

[0069] The connecting link 142 can be positioned opposite the motor 140 across the cone 126. For example, the connecting link 142 can be located above the cone 126, and the motor 140 can be located below the cone 126. The connecting link 142 can be configured to actuate in a circular motion in the space between the cone 126 and the rear section 106 of the housing 102. In one example, the connecting link 142 can include a curved shape contoured to match the cone 126. For example, the connecting link 142 can be curved around the cone 126 and spaced away from the cone. Thus, the connecting link 142 can move in the space between the PCB 152 and the cone 126 (e.g., from an upstream position to a downstream position), or anywhere between the PCB and the cone without contacting the cone 126.

[0070] The articulated arm may translate movement of the connecting link 142 into movement of the lens frame 148. For example, the lens frame 148 and the lens 150 may move linearly between an upstream position and a downstream position depending on the position of the connecting link 142. The connecting link 142, and therefore the lens frame 148 and the lens 150, may be driven by a motor 140, as further described below.

[0071] Moving the lens 150 linearly with respect to the housing 102 and the light engine 300 can adjust the optical effect produced by the optical device 100. For example, the distance between the LED element 112 and the lens 150 can be related to the beam width of the light beam exiting the optical device 100 via the lens 150. It may be desirable to quickly transition between a narrow beam and a wide beam. The lens actuation system 400 can move the lens 150 more quickly and efficiently than previous systems, as further described below.

[0072] Go to Figure 4A , 4B, 4C and 4D, the lens actuation system 400 is shown in a perspective view 410, a side view 420, a side cross-sectional view 430 and a top-down cross-sectional view 440, respectively. Some parts are shown semi-transparently in the perspective view 410 and the side view 420 so as not to block the view of the parts behind the parts. The side cross-sectional view 430 can be a section taken along a cutting plane CC' parallel to the xz plane in the perspective view 410. The top-down cross-sectional view 440 can be a section taken along a cutting plane D-D' parallel to the xy plane in the perspective view 410. Figures 4A to 4D Cone 126 is also shown, as well as a portion of housing 102. The position of lens 150 (eg, relative to cone 126) may be adjusted via lens actuation system 400. As shown in FIG.

[0073] The motor 140 can be coupled to the flywheel 406 via a shaft 408. The shaft 408 can extend from one side of the cone 126 to the other side, so that the flywheel 406 and the motor 140 are opposite each other across the cone 126. In this way, the packaging volume of the optical device 100 can be reduced compared to positioning the motor 140 and the flywheel 406 on the same side of the cone 126. The motor 140 can rotate the flywheel 406 via the shaft 408, and the flywheel can rotate via a rod (e.g., Figures 7 to 8B The connecting link 142 can be coupled to the housing at a connecting link joint 416 (e.g., a pivot joint) such that the connecting link 142 can rotate but cannot translate relative to the housing 102.

[0074] Actuating the connecting link 142 may include rotating the connecting link 142 about a first rotation axis 414 extending through a connecting link joint 416. As described above, the connecting link 142 may bend according to the curvature of the cone 126 such that the connecting link 142 remains spaced away from the cone 126 throughout actuation of the connecting link 142. In this manner, the packaging volume of the optical device 100 may be reduced (e.g., compared to spacing a straight connecting link away from the cone 126) while preventing the cone 126 from interfering with the function of the lens actuation system 400, including rotation of the connecting link 142.

[0075] The first arm 144 may be an arm of a first arm pair 444. The first arm pair 444 is directly coupled to the connecting link 142 and the second arm pair 446 including the second arm 146. The first arm pair 444 may extend between the connecting link 142 and the second arm pair 446. Specifically, a first end of the first arm pair 444 may be coupled to the connecting link 142 at a connecting link joint 416 such that the connecting link 142 connects the arms of the first arm pair 444 that are diametrically opposed to each other across the cone 126. A second end of the first arm pair 444 may be coupled to a first end of the second arm pair 446 at an arm joint 418 (e.g., a pivot joint), wherein the second end of the first arm pair 444 is opposed to the first end of the first arm pair 444 in a lengthwise direction. Pivot joints, such as the connecting link joint 416 and the arm joint 418, may allow for rotational independence of the components coupled at the joints. In this manner, a variable angle (e.g., Figures 7 to 8B The first arm pair 444 is rotatably coupled to the connecting link 142 so that immediately after the connecting link rotates, the first arm pair 444 can also rotate around the first rotation axis 414 at the same rotation speed. In some examples, the first arm pair 444 can be integral with the connecting link 142.

[0076] The second arm pair 446 is directly coupled to the lens frame 148 at the frame joint 422. Specifically, the second end of the second arm pair 446 is coupled to the lens frame 148 at the frame joint 422, wherein the second end is lengthwise opposite to the first end of the second arm pair 446 coupled to the first arm pair 444. The second arm pair 446 can extend between the first arm pair 444 and the lens frame 148.

[0077] The motion from the connecting link 142 can be applied symmetrically to each of the first arm pair 444, the second arm pair 446, and the lens frame 148. In this way, the connecting link 142 can distribute the torque approximately equally between the arms of the first arm pair 444, thereby applying approximately equal forces to both sides of the lens frame 148. The rotational motion of the flywheel 406 can be converted into a linear oscillating motion of the lens frame 148 via the connecting link 142 and the articulated arms (including the first arm pair 444 and the second arm pair 446). In this way, each of the flywheel 406, the connecting link 142, the rod 702, the plurality of articulated arms, the lens frame 148, and the lens 150 can be configured to move according to the operation of the motor 140.

[0078] In order to repeatedly transition back and forth between the upstream position and the downstream position, it may not be necessary to pause the output of the motor 140, thereby eliminating the deceleration of the motor 140 and the flywheel 406 near the upstream position and the downstream position and allowing for faster cycling. As used herein, a cycle may include the movement of the lens from a starting position through all other positions between (and including) the upstream position and the downstream position and back to the starting position. Thus, a cycle can be performed by a single complete continuous rotation (e.g., 360 degrees) of the flywheel 406 in a single rotational direction. Such rotation of the flywheel 406 can perform one or more sequential cycles faster than a system that requires stopping and reversing at each of the upstream position and the downstream position (e.g., a belt drive or worm drive system).

[0079] The housing 102 may include a number of features for coupling to the lens actuation system 400. The various features may include threaded inserts / molds, tracks, bearings, tabs, receiving holes, and interlocking shapes for retaining the lens 150 and maintaining the linearity of its motion.

[0080] For example, the housing 102 may include a pair of rails 402. The pair of rails 402 may be diametrically opposed to each other. In some examples, the pair of rails 402 may be located at the frame joint 422. For example, as Figures 4A to 4D As shown, the frame joints 422 may be diametrically opposite each other along the y-axis, and the tracks 402 may also be diametrically opposite each other along the y-axis. In other examples, the pair of tracks 402 may be offset from the frame joints 422. For example, the frame joints 422 may be diametrically opposite each other along the y-axis as shown, and the tracks 402 may be diametrically opposite each other along the z-axis. In some examples, there may be additional tracks. The pair of tracks 402 may be located downstream relative to the cone 126 and the connecting link joint 416.

[0081] The pair of rails 402 can each be configured to engage with a retaining arm 404 of the lens actuation system 400. In one example, the retaining arm 404 is a spring clamp configured to retain the lens actuation system 400 within the rails 402. In one example, the retaining arm 404 can be directly coupled to the lens frame 148. For example, Figure 4D As best shown, the retaining arms 404 can fit into complementary grooves formed in the lens frame 148. In some examples, the second arm 146 can make face-sharing contact with the retaining arms 404. The retaining arms 404 can be flexible and configured to press against the surface of a corresponding track in the pair of tracks 402. In one example, the number of tracks 402 is equal to the number of retaining arms 404. In such an example, there may be two or more tracks 402, and accordingly, there may be two or more retaining arms 404.

[0082] The track 402 may include various cutouts, protrusions, and indentations that complement the features of the retaining arm 404 so that when the lens 150 is actuated from the upstream position to the downstream position or vice versa, the retaining arm 404 may slide within the corresponding track 402 without disengaging the track 402. As described above, the lens 150 is relatively closer to the cone 126 in the upstream position than in the downstream position.

[0083] The retaining arms 404 can each be movable relative to the housing 102 along a respective first axis 432 and a second axis 434, wherein the second axis 434 is normal to the first axis 432. Each retaining arm 404 can have a first axis 432, wherein the first axes are parallel to each other. The first axis 432 can be parallel to the movement of the lens frame 148. The second axis 434 can be perpendicular to the movement of the lens frame 148. The movement of the retaining arm 404 along the first axis 432 can include sliding of the retaining arm against the track 402. The movement of the retaining arm 404 along the second axis 434 can include an increase or decrease in tension in the retaining arm 404.

[0084] In one example, a portion of the housing 102 including the track may be Figure 1 , 2 and 6. In such an example, a portion of the housing 102 including the track 402 can be physically coupled to the remainder of the housing 102 via fasteners, welding, adhesives, and / or welding. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 102 can be a single, unitary piece.

[0085] In addition to or in lieu of the rails 402 and complementary retaining arms 404, the lens actuation system 400 may also include other components for guiding the movement of the lens frame 148 and, accordingly, the linear movement of the lens 150 relative to the housing 102. For example, the lens frame 148 may include indentations such as, for example, Figures 7 to 8B The recess 704 may include a feature of the housing 102 that is complementary to a feature of the housing 102 (such as a protrusion adapted to be received by the recess).

[0086] The lens actuation system 400 can move the lens 150 from Figure 7 The first position 700 shown is actuated to Fig. 8A and 8B800, or vice versa. In one example, the first position 700 is a relatively upstream position, and the second position 800 is a relatively downstream position. For example, the first distance 708 between the cone 126 and the lens frame 148 in the first position 700 may be shorter than the second distance 802 between the cone 126 and the lens frame 148 in the second position 800. That is, the distance between the cone 126 and the lens frame 148 may be adjusted according to the rotation of the flywheel 406. Additionally or alternatively, the first position 700 may be a relatively wide beam position, and the second position 800 may be a relatively narrow beam position.

[0087] The first end of the rod 702 may be coupled to the flywheel 406 at a flywheel joint 714. The flywheel joint 714 may be off-center with respect to the center of the flywheel 406. In this manner, the first end of the rod 702 may move in a circular path according to the rotation of the flywheel 406. The second end of the rod 702, opposite the first end, may be physically coupled to a bracket 706 of the connecting link 142. The bracket 706 may protrude from the connecting link 142 in a direction directed away from the lens 150. In one example, the bracket 706 is off-center with respect to the center of the connecting link 142. The bracket 706 may be spaced away from the connecting link joint 416. The bracket 706 may be located vertically above the flywheel 406. The bracket 706 and the flywheel 406 may be fixed to the rod 702 such that the bracket and the flywheel are rotationally independent and thus allow the bracket and the flywheel to pivot relative to each other.

[0088] The flywheel 406 can rotate in either direction (e.g., about a second rotational axis 712 extending centrally through the shaft 408). Figure 7 The flywheel 406 may rotate 360 ​​degrees, so that the flywheel 406 continuously rotates (e.g., 360 degrees) around the second rotation axis 712. As the flywheel 406 rotates around the second rotation axis 712, the bracket 706 may be forced upward and downward via the rod 702, thereby causing the connecting link 142 to rotate around the first rotation axis 414.

[0089] Specifically, when the bracket 706 is pushed upward by the flywheel 406 rotating about the second rotation axis 712, the second arm pair 446 can pull the lens frame 148 close to the cone 126 that is stationary with respect to the housing 102. The lens frame 148 can slide along the track 402 that is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 414 and / or the second rotation axis 712. For example, since the first arm pair 444 is rotationally coupled or integral with the connecting link 142, the first arm angle 722 between the first arm 144 and the connecting link 142 can remain constant. When the bracket 706 is pushed upward and the lens 150 is moved closer to the flywheel 406, the motor 140, and the cone 126, the second arm angle 724 between the first arm 144 and the second arm 146 can decrease. In addition, when the lens 150 is moved closer to the flywheel 406, the motor 140, and the cone 126, the distance 726 between the rod 702 and the arm joint 418 may decrease.

[0090] Conversely, when the bracket 706 is pulled downward by the rotation of the flywheel 406, the second arm pair 446 can push the lens frame 148 linearly along the track 402 farther from the cone 126 as described above. For example, the first arm angle 722 can remain constant. The second arm angle 724 and the distance 726 can increase. For example, comparing the first position 700 to the second position 800, the first arm angle 722 may be the same. The second arm angle 724 can be greater in the second position 800 than in the first position 700. Therefore, the second arm angle 724 can change according to the rotation of the flywheel 406. The distance 726 can be greater in the second position 800 than in the first position 700.

[0091] Rotating the flywheel 406 one full rotation may cause the lens 150 to move through one full cycle at each position between an upstream position (e.g., closest to the cone 126) and a downstream position (e.g., farthest from the cone 126). The upstream position may include the flywheel 406 being at an angular position where the flywheel joint 714 is closest to the bracket 706 (e.g., at a topmost position), and the downstream position may include the flywheel 406 being at an angular position where the flywheel joint 714 is farthest from the bracket 706 (e.g., at a bottommost position).

[0092] Thus, the angular position of the flywheel 406 can be directly related to the linear position of the lens 150. A single sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor) can be used to monitor the current state of the lens actuation system 400 by detecting detectable elements 412 located along the circumference of the flywheel 406. The detectable elements 412 can also be located at other locations along the flywheel 406 that are offset from the center of the flywheel 406. For example, the detectable element 412 can be a magnet that can be located at Figure 1 , 56 and 6. The magnetic sensor may be stationary with respect to the housing 102. The flywheel 406 cannot move except for rotating with respect to the housing 102. Therefore, the distance between the detectable element 412 (e.g., a magnet) and the sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor) can be used to find the angular position of the flywheel 406. The distance between the detectable element 412 and the sensor can be used to measure the position of the flywheel 406, and thus determine the position of the lens 150. In addition, the rate of change of the distance between the detectable element 412 and the sensor can be used to determine the angular velocity of the flywheel 406, and accordingly determine the oscillation frequency of the lens 150.

[0093] In this manner, each of the shaft 408, the flywheel 406, the connecting link 142, the rod 702, the plurality of articulated arms (e.g., the first arm pair 444 and the second arm pair 446), the lens frame 148, and the lens 150 are configured to move based on the operation of the motor 140. For example, because the operation of the motor 140 determines the angular position and velocity of the flywheel 406 via the shaft 408, the operation of the motor 140 may also determine the position and velocity of the connecting link 142, the rod 702, the plurality of articulated arms, the lens frame 148, and the lens 150.

[0094] The operation of the motor 140 may be controlled to rotate the flywheel 406 and thus move the lens 150 in any pattern. In some examples, the motor 140 rotates the flywheel 406 in one rotational direction. In other examples, the flywheel 406 changes rotational direction depending on the desired optical effect (e.g., beam width pattern). For example, the flywheel 406 may repeatedly rotate a partial cycle and then switch to another direction to bypass one or both of the end positions of the lens 150, thereby reducing the contrast between a wide beam and a narrow beam. In some examples, the motor 140 may pause the rotation of the flywheel 406 when the beam width change is no longer desired. In other examples, the rotation of the flywheel 406 may be continuous throughout the operation of the optical device 100. Continuous rotation of the flywheel 406 via continuous operation of the motor 140 may be faster and more efficient than other systems in which continuous cycling of the lens requires stopping and reversing the motor (such as a belt drive or worm drive system). Additionally or alternatively, the motor 140 may be operated at a range of speeds such that the lens 150 oscillates at a range of frequencies (e.g., up to 3 Hz). Additionally or alternatively, the motor 140 may be operated at a single speed such that the lens 150 oscillates at a constant frequency throughout actuation of the lens 150.

[0095] The relative dimensions of the lens actuation system 400 may be adjusted to adapt the lens actuation system 400 to the application. For example, if a larger span between the upstream and downstream positions of the lens 150 is desired, the diameter of the flywheel 406 may be increased and the flywheel joint 714 may be moved radially outwardly away from the second axis of rotation 712. Conversely, if a smaller difference between the upstream and downstream positions of the lens 150 is desired, the diameter of the flywheel 406 may be reduced and / or the flywheel joint 714 may be moved radially inwardly closer to the second axis of rotation 712. Additionally or alternatively, the relative lengths of the articulated arms may be adjusted.

[0096] Go to Figure 5 and 6 , respectively showing a first view 500 and a second view 600 of the optical device 100. In order to facilitate observation of the components housed therein, the lens 150 and some portions of the housing 102 are omitted in the first view 500. The second view 600 is a cross-sectional view.

[0097] A portion 502 of the housing 102 can extend beyond the track 402. In this manner, the track 402 can be spaced a distance 504 away from a downstream end 512 of the optical device 100. The downstream location of the lens 150 can be at least the distance 504 from the downstream end 512. In some examples, such as in examples where the housing 102 is a single, unitary piece, the portion 502 can be integral with a portion that includes the track 402. Alternatively, the portion 502 can be a separate piece from a portion that includes the track 402 and coupled to the portion via fasteners, adhesives, welding, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0098] The lens actuation system 400 can adjust the distance 602 between the LED element 112 and the lens 150. The distance 602 can be perpendicular to the lens 150. The track 402 can be parallel to the distance 602, so that the lens 150 moves linearly along the track to increase or decrease the distance 602 when actuated by the lens actuation system 400. The track 402 can be bounded on both sides by the protrusion 506, thereby extending parallel to the movement of the lens frame 148 and the lens 150 and parallel to the distance 602. The protrusion 506 can protrude radially inward from the housing 102. The protrusion 506 can engage with the indentation 704 in the lens frame 148. For example, the indentation g704 can receive the protrusion 506. When the lens 150 moves via the lens actuation system 400 as described above, the indentation 704 can slide along the protrusion 506 to maintain the linearity of the movement of the lens 150 in a direction parallel to the distance 602. In some examples, further protrusions and complementary indentations may be arranged circumferentially around the housing 102 and the lens frame 148, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, a retaining arm (such as Figures 4A to 8BThe retaining arm 404 in the lens frame 148 can slide along the surface 508 of the track 402 inserted between the protrusions 506. In this way, the track 402 can be slidably engaged with the lens frame 148 and the retaining arm that can be physically coupled to the lens frame 148.

[0099] An insulating layer 510 may be interposed between the backlight LEDs 127 and the cone 126. The insulating layer 510 may protrude radially inward from the cone 126 to capture stray light and ensure that light is directed toward the lens 150. An extension of the cone 126 may protrude radially outward toward the housing 102. The extension may be physically coupled to the housing 102, for example, via a fastener 516 extending through the housing 102 and the cone 126, or other fastening means such as welding.

[0100] As mentioned above, the sensor can detect Figures 4A to 8B The state of the flywheel 406 of the embodiment of the present invention. For example, the plurality of electrical components 514 may be electrically coupled to the PCB 152 and may include a flywheel sensor. The PCB 152 may be annular. The PCB may be interposed between the light engine 300 and the cone 126. Additionally or alternatively, the PCB 152 may be interposed between the light engine 300 and the lens actuation system 400. The cone 126 and / or the light wand cap 122 may extend through the center of the PCB 152. For example, the narrowest end of the cone 126 may be circumferentially surrounded by the PCB 152. The sensor of the plurality of electrical components 514 electrically coupled to the PCB 152 may be located on an area of ​​the PCB 152 that is close to the flywheel 406. For example, the sensor may be closer to the flywheel 406 than the motor 140 or the connecting link 142. Furthermore, the PCB 152 may be interposed between the sensor and the light engine 300. Additionally or alternatively, the PCB 152 may be located between the LED element 112 and the lens actuation system 400.

[0101] By utilizing the continuous rotational motion of the flywheel to drive the back-and-forth linear motion of the lens 150, the sensor may be the only sensor required to track the lens 150. Thus, the lens actuation system 400 may be less complex than other systems that require two or more sensors, such as one at each of the end positions (e.g., the upstream position and the downstream position) to track the lens. Additionally, the size of the flywheel may be directly related to the distance between the upstream position and the downstream position of the lens 150. In this manner, the range of motion of the lens 150 may be inherent to the geometry of the lens actuation system design, rather than being affected by the operation of the motor 140 as in previous systems where the drive stops and reverses at each end position.

[0102] Go to Fig.25 , showing a method for operating a lens actuation system having a connecting rod (such as including Figure 1 and 4A8B ) is a flow chart of method 2500 of lens actuation system 400 having connecting rod 142.

[0103] Method 2500 begins at 2502, where a LED (e.g. Figures 1 to 3C and 6 LED elements 112) to produce output light. The output light may include one or more colors (wavelengths of light). The output light may be, for example, Figures 1 to 3C The light mixing rod 114 of 6 is homogenized.

[0104] Method 2500 proceeds to 2504, where a lens receiving the output light actuates a motor (eg, Figure 1 and 4A 8B) rotates in a single direction to move linearly back and forth. To reverse the linear lens movement, the motor may not pause or reverse (e.g., rotate in a rotational direction opposite to the single direction). The linear movement of the lens may be an oscillatory motion. The lens actuation system may further include a motor driven by the motor and via a rod (e.g., Figures 7 to 8B rod 702) is coupled to a flywheel (e.g., Figures 4A to 4D and 7 to 8B flywheel 406). The lens actuation system may further include coupling the connecting link to a frame (e.g., Figure 1 and 4A to the frame 148 of 8B) of the articulated arm (e.g., Figures 4A to 4D of the first arm pair 444 and the second arm pair 446).

[0105] Method 2500 proceeds to 2506, where the movement or rotation is sensed via a sensor. The sensing may include the sensor detecting a detectable element (e.g., Figure 4D , 7 and 8A) such as a magnet. For example, a magnetic sensor can detect the position of the magnet. The magnet can be positioned off-center of a rotating component of the lens actuation system (such as a flywheel) to sense rotation of the rotating component. Alternatively, the magnet can be located on a frame that houses the lens to sense linear movement of the frame. The movement of the magnet or other detectable element relative to the sensor can be used to track rotation (e.g., motor output) or movement of the lens.

[0106] Method 2500 may include, at 2508, such as by performing Fig.24 Method 2400 moves the lens to a target position or at a target frequency.

[0107] The method 2500 ends. The method 2500 can be performed continuously throughout the operation of the lens actuation system. The steps of the method 2500 can occur simultaneously and / or in a different order than that provided in the method 2500.

[0108] Go to Fig.24 , a flow chart showing a method 2400 for operating a lens actuation system (such as lens actuation system 400) wherein a flywheel (e.g., Figures 4A to 8B The rotational motion of the flywheel 406) is converted into a lens (e.g., Figures 1 to 8B The method 2400 may be used as Figure 5 Method 2400 may be performed by a control system (e.g. Figure 1 The control system 180 in the controller or control system (e.g. Figure 1 The controller 170 in the controller is used to execute instructions in the non-volatile memory.

[0109] Method 2400 begins at 2402, where a target position or frequency of a lens is determined. The target position can be an optical device (e.g., Figures 1 to 8B The target frequency may be a target oscillation frequency at which the lens oscillates linearly between the upstream position and the downstream position. For example, the target position or target frequency may be part of a preprogrammed routine stored in a non-volatile memory of the controller, the preprogrammed routine including a series of target positions and / or target frequencies. As another example, the target position or target frequency may be manually input by a user.

[0110] Method 2400 proceeds to 2404, where the lens is actuated by an actuating motor (e.g., Figure 1 , 4A The motor 140 (see 4D to 4D and 7 to 8B) rotates the flywheel to move linearly. For example, rotating the flywheel via the motor can drive the movement of the connecting link and the articulated arm that are physically coupled to the frame that houses the lens. The motor can operate continuously in a single rotational direction to move the lens back and forth along a linear path. In this way, it may not be necessary to slow down and stop the motor to reverse the linear direction of the lens movement. For each cycle of the lens movement, the flywheel can rotate 360 ​​degrees. The rotation direction of the motor and flywheel can be selected according to the kinematically favorable direction. In addition or alternatively, the rotation direction can be selected according to a comparison of the current position with the target position. For example, the rotation may occur in a direction that can reach the target position faster. The controller can control the operation of the motor, such as the output speed of the motor.

[0111] Method 2400 proceeds to 2406, where a measured position or frequency of the flywheel is measured. For example, the measured frequency of the flywheel may be the number of complete rotations per unit time (e.g., per second). The measured position of the flywheel may be an angular position. The measured position and frequency may be measured, for example, along the circumference of the flywheel by a sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor) that detects a detectable element (e.g., a magnet) positioned offset from the center of the flywheel. The sensor may be part of a control system and communicatively coupled to a controller. In some examples, both position and frequency are measured. Other metrics, such as the direction of rotation of the flywheel, may also be measured.

[0112] The method 2400 proceeds to 2408, where the current position or frequency of the lens is determined. For example, if there is a target position, the current position of the lens can be determined from the target position. For example, if there is a target frequency, the current frequency of the lens can be determined from the target frequency. The current frequency of the lens can be approximately equal to the measured frequency of the flywheel. The linear position of the lens can directly correspond to the angular position of the flywheel. The orientation of the velocity of the lens can correspond to the rotational direction of the flywheel.

[0113] The method 2400 proceeds to 2410, where it is determined whether the current position or the current frequency of the lens matches the target position or the target frequency, respectively. For example, the controller may compare the target frequency with the current frequency determined at 2408. Alternatively, the controller may compare the target position with the current position determined at 2408. If the corresponding target value and the current value are within a threshold difference, it may be determined that the corresponding target value matches the current value (e.g., the target condition is met). Alternatively, if the corresponding target value and the current value exceed the threshold difference, it may be determined that the corresponding target value does not match the current value (e.g., the target condition is not met).

[0114] If the current position does not match the target position or the current frequency does not match the target frequency ("No" at 2410), method 2400 proceeds to 2412, where the current position or current frequency of the lens is adjusted. For example, the current position or current frequency of the flywheel may be adjusted via actuation of a motor to adjust the position or frequency of the lens.

[0115] If the current position matches the target position or the current frequency matches the target frequency ("yes" at 2410), method 2400 proceeds to 2414, where the lens is stopped at the target position or continues to move at the current frequency, respectively. For example, if the target position is determined at 2402 and the target position matches the current position of the flywheel, the movement of the lens can be stopped because the target position has been reached. Stopping the movement of the lens can include stopping the output of the motor and thus stopping the rotation of the flywheel. Alternatively, if the target frequency is determined at 2402 and the target frequency matches the current frequency at 2410, the target is reached and operation can therefore continue under the current conditions. Continuing at the current frequency can include maintaining the current output of the motor. The motor can produce a continuous output in a single rotational direction so as to cause the lens to oscillate at the rotational frequency.

[0116] The method 2400 ends after 2414. By performing the method 2400, a target frequency or a target position of the lens is achieved. The method 2400 may be iteratively repeated throughout the operation of the optical device 100 to produce a desired optical effect.

[0117] As described above, a coupling system according to the present disclosure may secure multiple optical devices 100 and / or other apparatuses in a vertical array, a horizontal array, or a grid or mesh format. The coupling system of the present disclosure may include one or more frames and one or more coupling devices assembled together and suspended vertically from a fixed structure. In this manner, the optical device 100 may be actuated throughout an actuation process (such as throughout a movement of a movable front lens (e.g., lens 150) via a lens actuation system (e.g., lens actuation system 400)), for example, by implementing Fig.24 The method 2400 is supported by a coupling system.

[0118] Fig. 20 An example of a coupling system 2000 is schematically shown. Figures 9 to 23 A set of reference axes 901 including an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis are shown for comparison of the orientations shown therein. In at least some examples, the z-axis can be a vertical axis, and the y-axis and the x-axis can be horizontal axes. Additionally or alternatively, the z-axis of the reference axes 901 can be aligned with the x-axis. Figures 1 to 8B The coupling system 2000 may include a plurality of frames 2002. In one example, each of the plurality of frames 2002 is identical. As shown, the plurality of frames 2002 may be coupled to corresponding devices 2004.

[0119] The corresponding device 2004 may be an optical device (e.g., Figures 1 to 8BIn at least some examples, the device may include an LED that is in surface-sharing contact with the light mixing rod, and the LED is configured to produce an optical effect. Additionally or alternatively, the device 2004 may include a lens actuation system suitable for moving a lens therein. In another example, the device 2004 may be a different optical device, or other types of devices, such as an audio device. In some examples, the devices 2004 may be identical to each other. In another example, the device 2004 may include various types of devices.

[0120] The coupling system 2000 further includes a control system 180, which includes a controller 170. The control system 180 can control each of the fixtures 2004. For example, the control system 180 can execute instructions stored in the non-volatile memory of the controller 170 to move a lens within the fixture 2004. The lens can be moved synchronously or asynchronously. The control system 180 can also rotate, turn, or otherwise move the fixture 2004. In examples where the fixture 2004 is an optical device, the control system 180 can also control the fixture 2004, such as by controlling an LED (e.g., Figure 1 and 6 The color emitted by the fixture 2004 (the color emitted by the LED elements 112 and the backlight LEDs 127) can be used to control the optical effects produced by the fixture 2004. The coupling system 2000 can support the fixture 2004 throughout the range of motion of the fixture 2004. For example, due to the structure of the coupling system 2000, the fixture 2004 can be supported throughout the movement of the lens within the fixture 2004. The coupling system 2000 can remove the load-bearing burden of the fixture 2004 and reduce vibrations caused by the movement of the fixture.

[0121] The multiple frames 2002 are interlocked via multiple coupling devices that physically couple to mounts of different frames. For example, a coupling device can be physically coupled to a mount of a first frame 2002a coupled to a first fixture 2004a, and the coupling device can also be physically coupled to a mount of a second frame 2002b coupled to a second fixture 2004b. The top 2006 of the coupling system 2000 can be attached to a fixed structure so that the coupling system 2000 is suspended from the fixed structure.

[0122] exist Fig. 20 In an example, multiple frames 2002 interlock with each other to arrange multiple appliances in columns. Additional frames and coupling devices may also be included to arrange multiple appliances in rows and / or grids, with uniform spacing between each of the multiple appliances. In one example, when the appliances rotate, spin, oscillate, or otherwise move, the spacing between adjacent appliances in the multiple appliances may prevent contact between appliances. In addition, the frames 2002 can be removably coupled via coupling devices so that the frames 2002 can be rearranged.

[0123] Now go to Fig. 9 and 10 , showing a frame 900, the frame is Fig. 20 An example of the framework 2002.

[0124] The frame 900 may include a ring 918. The frame 900 may be configured to circumferentially surround an instrument (e.g., Fig. 20 The frame 900 may include a central opening 932 through which the appliance may be placed. The frame 900 may further include a plurality of bosses 922 through which a plurality of fasteners 924 extend to physically couple the frame 900 to the appliance in the central opening 932. For example, the fasteners 924 may extend through the bosses 922 and into the housing of the appliance, such as Figure 1 and 6 Housing 102 of optical device 100 is shown. In this manner, fasteners can mechanically couple frame 900 to the fixture so that frame 900 circumferentially surrounds the fixture. Frame 900 can be positioned along the center of gravity of the fixture, which can provide additional support to the fixture.

[0125] The frame 900 may further include a plurality of mounts 902 arranged along the circumference of the ring 918. The plurality of mounts 902 may be equally spaced from one another. For example, the plurality of mounts 902 may be equally spaced circumferentially arranged along the frame 900. The plurality of mounts 902 may be arranged in a hexagonal shape, for example, there are six mounts. The mounts 902 may extend parallel to the x-direction.

[0126] In one example, there is an even number of multiple mounts 902. Alternatively, there may be an odd number of multiple mounts 902. In one example, the first pair of mounts 904 may face in a first direction (e.g., a positive z-direction) and the second pair of mounts 906 may face in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., a negative z-direction). The distance 934 between the first pair of mounts 904 and the second pair of mounts 906 may be equal to or less than the diameter 914 of the frame 900. The third mount 908 may be positioned diametrically opposite to the fourth mount 910, wherein the third mount 908 faces in a third direction (e.g., a negative y-direction) and the fourth mount 910 faces in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction (e.g., a positive y-direction). The third direction and the fourth direction may be normal to the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0127] The first direction and the second direction may be vertical directions, and the third direction and the fourth direction may be horizontal directions. Thus, there may be more mounts 902 facing the vertical direction than mounts 902 facing the horizontal direction. There may be at least as many mounts 902 facing the vertical direction as there are mounts 902 facing the horizontal direction. For example, in order to withstand vertical loads, more mounts 902 may be required in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction for horizontal stabilization. In this way, more coupling devices may be used to withstand vertical loads rather than horizontal stabilization, as further described below. In an alternative example, there may be two or more mounts 902 facing the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction.

[0128] In one example, the first pair of mounts 904 and the second pair of mounts 906 may extend radially outward from the frame 900 farther than the third mounts 908 and the fourth mounts 910. The first pair of mounts 904 and the second pair of mounts 906 may include a body 916 extending from the frame 900 and including a triangular shape. The body 916 may flush the curvature of the ring 918 so that the mounts in the first pair of mounts 904 are flush with each other. Similarly, the mounts in the second pair of mounts 906 are flush with each other. The third mounts 908, the fourth mounts 910 may not include a body configured to face in a horizontal direction like the body 916 due to being tangential to the ring 918, depending on the position along the ring 918.

[0129] The frame 900 may further include a guide point 912. The guide point 912 may be configured to maintain coupling to an appliance (such as Fig. 20 The guide points 912 can be arranged symmetrically about the frame 900. In one example, adjacent guide points 912 can be separated by at least one of the plurality of mounts 902. The guide points 912 can ensure that the wires do not interfere with the assembly of the coupling system or the movement of the appliance within the coupling system.

[0130] The frame 900 including the mount 902, the guide point 912, and the boss 922 can be symmetrical. For example, the frame 900 can be symmetrical across a first symmetry plane 1002 that is parallel to a vertical direction (e.g., the z-direction). Additionally or alternatively, the frame 900 can be symmetrical across a second symmetry plane 1004 that is parallel to a horizontal direction (e.g., the y-direction). The second symmetry plane 1004 can be perpendicular to the first symmetry plane 1002.

[0131] Now go to Fig.11, which shows the back side 1100 of the frame 900. The back side 1100 can be open and expose the support structure 1102 of the frame 900. The support structure 1102 can include a plurality of triangles extending between the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the frame 900. In this way, the frame 900 can withstand the forces exerted thereon by supporting the appliance. The frame 900 can divert the load bearing forces away from the appliance located in the opening 932.

[0132] Fig.21A and 21B 21 and 2120 of one of the mounts 902 are shown. The front view 2110 is Fig. 9 The rear view 2120 is an enlarged view of the portion 930 of the Fig.11 An enlarged view of portion 1130 .

[0133] The mount 902 includes a receptacle 2102 adapted to receive a coupling device. The receptacle 2102 can be defined by two rails 2104 and an end wall 2106 protruding from a surface 2112. The surface 2112 can determine the direction in which the mount 902 faces. For example, the mount 902 can be described as facing the direction in which the corresponding surface 2112 faces.

[0134] End wall 2106 may be perpendicular to surface 2112. End wall 2106 may be trapezoidal. Alternatively, end wall 2106 may be rectangular, oval, or any other shape depending on the geometry of the coupling device. End wall 2106 may include one or more openings 2108. For example, when the coupling device is located in receptacle 2102, opening 2108 may allow visibility of the coupling device.

[0135] The two guide rails 2104 can be perpendicular to the end wall 2106. The two guide rails 2104 can extend from the inclined side of the trapezoidal shape of the end wall 2106. The two guide rails 2104 can extend from the surface 2112 at a non-perpendicular angle. In other examples, the two guide rails can be perpendicular to the surface 2112. The two guide rails 2104 can be bent toward each other (e.g., a curve, a corner, etc.). In this way, the two guide rails 2104 can partially enclose the receptacle 2102. For example, a portion 2116 of the two guide rails 2104 that is farther from the surface 2112 can be parallel to the surface 2112. The two guide rails 2104 can be symmetrical to each other.

[0136] The mounting piece opening 2114 may extend from the surface 2112 toward the ring 918. The two guide rails 2104 may be arranged on opposite sides of the mounting piece opening 2114. The mounting piece opening 2114 may be spaced away from the rear side 1100. The mounting piece opening 2114 may extend along the surface 2112 toward the end wall 2106. In some examples, the mounting piece opening 2114 may also extend upward along the end wall 2106. In such examples, the mounting piece opening 2114 may be spaced away from one or more openings 2108. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting piece opening 2114 may be spaced away from the guide rails 2104. In some examples, the mounting piece opening 2114 is a through hole. In other examples, the mounting piece opening 2114 may be a recess or a blind hole shaped to receive a latch of a coupling device, as further described below.

[0137] Now go to Fig.12 , which shows a coupling device 1200. In one example, the coupling device 1200 can be a clamp. Specifically, the coupling device 1200 can be a spring-loaded clamp. The coupling device 1200 can be used to couple two frames together by physically and reversibly coupling to their respective mountings. The coupling device 1200 can have an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the coupling device can lock the two frames together. In the disengaged position, the coupling device may not be physically coupled to the two frames. The coupling device 1200 can be moved between the engaged position and the disengaged position by adjusting a latch (such as by actuating a lever of the coupling device), as further described below.

[0138] The coupling device 1200 may include a body 1202. The body 1202 may be relative to Figures 9 to 11 The plurality of mounting seats 902 of 21A to 22 are symmetrical and complementary in shape. For example, the body 1202 may include rails (e.g., Figures 21A to 22 The top 1206 or the bottom 1208 may be connected to a receptacle of a mounting seat (e.g., Figures 21A to 22The coupling device 1200 may be slidably engaged with the mounts. Specifically, the lobed grooves 1204 may be slidably engaged with the guide rails. For example, the body 1202 may include four lobed grooves 1204, wherein a first pair 1222 of lobed grooves 1204 are adjacent to the top 1206, and a second pair 1224 of lobed grooves 1204 are adjacent to the bottom 1208. The first pair 1222 may receive the guide rails of the first mount positioned in face-sharing contact with the top 1206, and the second pair 1224 may receive the guide rails of the second mount positioned in face-sharing contact with the bottom 1208. For example, the hinge end 1226 may be inserted into the receptacles of the first mount and the second mount, and the coupling device 1200 may be slid toward the receptacles to slidably engage with the first mount and the second mount, such that the lever end 1228 is located where the hinge end 1226 was initially inserted. The coupling device 1200 may also include a protrusion 1232 from the side of the body 1202. The protrusion 1232 may be perpendicular to the groove 1204. The protrusion 1232 may be configured to secure a guide rail of a corresponding mount within the groove 1204. Figures 15 to 19 The engagement of the coupling device 1200 with the mounting seat is described in more detail.

[0139] As another example, coupling device 1200 may include a rail shaped similar to rail 2104, and mount 902 may include a complementary lobe-shaped groove similar to groove 1204. In this manner, coupling device 1200 and mount 902 may be slidingly engaged via complementary rails and grooves, wherein mount 902 may include either the rail or the groove, and coupling device 1200 may include the other of the rail or the groove.

[0140] The coupling device 1200 may further include a latch 1212. In one example, the latch 1212 is a first latch adjacent to the top 1206. The latch 1212 may be moved via a first lever 1214. The latch 1212 may be spring loaded. Fig.12 In the position, latch 1212 protrudes through the surface of top 1206. In one example, Fig.12 The position is an engaged (eg, locked) position. The latch 1212 may extend through an opening (eg, Figures 21A to 22 The mounting seat opening 2114) and the coupling device 1200 is locked to the mounting seat. In one example, the latch 1212 cannot be removed from the mounting seat locked thereto without actuating the first lever 1214 to the disengaged position.

[0141] about Fig.14AThe disengaged (e.g., unlocked) position is shown in more detail. Among other things, the disengaged position includes the latch 1212 being aligned with (or below) the surface of the top 1206. The latch 1212 does not protrude through the opening of the top 1206, and the coupling device 1200 can be disengaged (e.g., separated, removed, etc.) from the corresponding mounting seat.

[0142] Now go to Fig.13 , which shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling device 1200. Therein, a second latch 1312 is shown. The second latch 1312 is moved via a second lever 1314. The first latch 1212, the second latch 1312, the first lever 1214, and the second lever 1314 are coupled to a spring 1322. The levers 1214, 1314 can extend beyond the body 1202, allowing a user to actuate the levers 1214, 1314. The first latch 1212 can be moved via the first lever 1214, and the second latch 1312 can be moved via the second lever 1314.

[0143] The spring 1322 can be flat and bent to fold in half. For example, the spring 1322 can be described as having three integral parts including a first arm 1334, a second arm 1336, and a curved portion 1332 interposed between the first arm and the second arm. The curved portion 1332 can be closer to the hinge end 1226 than the arms 1334, 1336. The spring 1322 can resist compression. For example, the arms 1334, 1336 can press against the inner surface 1338 of the body 1202. Specifically, the first arm 1334 can press against the top 1206, and the second arm 1336 can press against the bottom 1208. The locked position in which the levers 1214, 1314 are farthest apart and the latches 1212, 1312 protrude out of the body 1202 can be the static position of the coupling device 1200. In this way, the latches 1212 , 1312 can be spring loaded by the spring 1322 so that the locked position is the rest position of the coupling device 1200 .

[0144] By moving the levers 1214, 1314 toward each other, the spring 1322 can be compressed, thereby further bending at the curved portion 1332. For example, a user can apply pressure to the levers 1214, 1314 by pinching the levers 1214, 1314 together. The levers 1214, 1314 may include a gripping surface 1360 having a texture such as a plurality of parallel protrusions so that the user can grip the levers 1214, 1314 more firmly (e.g., with greater friction). When the spring 1322 is compressed, the levers 1214, 1314 may separate from the top 1206 and bottom 1208 of the body 1202. When the spring 1322 is compressed, there may be a gap between the levers 1214, 1314 and the inner surface 1338.

[0145] The first arm 1334 and the second arm 1336 may include a tab 1330 located on an end that is closer to the lever end 1228 than the bent portion 1332. Each of the first arm 1334 and the second arm 1336 may include two tabs 1330 extending from the first arm and the second arm. The tab 1330 of the first arm 1334 may be bent away from the tab 1330 of the second arm 1336 so that the tab 1330 extends toward the respective adjacent levers 1214, 1314. The levers 1214, 1314 may include an indentation 1362 along which the tab 1330 slides when the spring 1322 is compressed and extended. In this manner, compression of the spring 1322 relative to the levers 1214, 1314 may be guided by the indentation 1362 that aligns the tab 1330 with the levers 1214, 1314. Additionally, the protrusion 1364 extending laterally from the indentation 1362 can prevent the tab 1330 from moving too far toward the lever end 1228. For example, if the spring 1322 is compressed enough that the latches 1212, 1312 do not extend into the body 1202, a situation may occur where the latches 1212, 1312 are misaligned with the openings in the top 1206 and the bottom 1208. The inclusion of the protrusion 1364 can limit the range of motion of the spring 1322 to prevent over-compression in the event that the latches 1212, 1312 are separated from the body 1202.

[0146] The latch 1212, 1312 can extend through the opening 1348 in the first arm 1334 and the second arm 1336. For example, the latch 1212, 1312 can include a triangular protrusion 1350 extending through the opening 1348. The protrusion 1350 can remain through the opening 1348 throughout the actuation of the spring 1322. In this manner, the protrusion 1350 can prevent the spring 1322 from moving laterally, for example toward the lever end 1228. The protrusion 1350 can guide the movement of the spring 1322 immediately after actuation via the lever 1214, 1314, so that the arms 1334, 1336 move vertically to compress or expand the spring 1322.

[0147] The spring 1322 can be bent around the rivet 1346. The rivet 1346 can extend through the levers 1214, 1314 and the body 1202 at the hinge end 1226. When compressed, the spring 1322 can be further bent around the rivet 1346, and the levers 1214, 1314 can be hinged around the rivet 1346. The rivet 1346 can ensure that the spring 1322 remains in place relative to the body 1202. Specifically, the rivet 1346 can prevent lateral movement of the spring 1322 toward the lever end 1228. For example, the bent portion 1332 can be interposed between the body 1202 and the rivet 1346. Therefore, the rivet 1346 (like the protrusion 1350 and the tab 1330) can stabilize the movement of the spring 1322. In some examples, the rivet 1346 may not be included.

[0148] The latch 1212, 1312 may further include a curved portion 1352. The curved portion 1352 may include a curved surface that contacts the lever 1214, 1314 and the arm 1334, 1336. The curved surface of the curved portion 1352 may allow for a smooth transition during actuation of the spring 1322 via the lever 1214, 1314. In addition, the size of the curved portion 1352 may be larger than the arm opening 1348 and the lever opening 1354 through which the latch 1212, 1312 extends. In this manner, the curved portion 1352 may be interposed between the respective lever 1214, 1314 and the arm 1334, 1336. Therefore, when pressure is applied to the lever 1214, 1314, the lever 1214, 1314 may be pressed against the spring 1322 via the curved portion 1352 and / or direct contact between the curved portions. When pressure is released from the levers 1214, 1314, the spring 1322 may extend back to the rest position.

[0149] exist Fig.13 In the example of FIG. 1 , spring 1322 is shown in an extended position. When coupling device 1200 is in a disengaged position (eg, unlocked position), as shown in FIG. Fig.14A As shown, the spring 1322 can be in a compact position, wherein the arm distance 1342 between the arms 1334, 1336 of the spring 1322 is reduced compared to the extended position. In addition, the latch distance 1344 between the first latch 1212 and the second latch 1312 is reduced in the disengaged position compared to the engaged position. The first latch 1212 and the second latch 1312 can be retracted to the unlocked position via the first lever 1214 and the second lever 1314, respectively. Therefore, the first latch 1212 and the second latch 1312 can be reversibly locked and unlocked, for example, with the first mounting opening of the first frame and the second mounting opening of the second frame, respectively.

[0150] Go to Fig.14A, the coupling device 1200 is shown in a disengaged (e.g., unlocked) position. In the disengaged position, the latches 1212, 1312 do not protrude beyond the body 1202. For example, the first latch 1212 and the second latch 1312 can be aligned with the top 1206 and the bottom 1208, respectively. To reach the disengaged position from the static engagement position, the user can manually apply pressure to the levers 1214, 1314 to compress the spring 1322 ( Fig.14A (not shown) and retract the latches 1212, 1312. In this way, the coupling device 1200 can be allowed to slide along the surface that is in face-sharing contact with the top 1206 and / or bottom 1208.

[0151] In addition, the coupling device 1200 may include a visual indicator (including a first indicator 1402 and a second indicator 1404) to signal whether the latch 1212, 1312 is in an engaged position or a disengaged position when the latch 1212, 1312 is not directly visible. For example, when the coupling device 1200 is positioned to engage with the mounting seat of the frame, the latch may not be visible due to contact with the mounting seat. Therefore, the indicators 1402, 1404 can provide a simple visual confirmation of whether the coupling device 1200 is engaged with the mounting member. The first indicator 1402 can indicate whether the latch 1212 protrudes from the body 1202. For example, if the first indicator 1402 is visible, it can be concluded that the first latch 1212 is not locked. If the first indicator 1402 is covered by the lever 1214, the latch 1212 may be in a locked position. Similarly, the second indicator 1404 can indicate whether the second latch 1312 protrudes from the body 1202. For example, if the second indicator 1404 is visible, it can be concluded that the second latch 1312 is not locked. If the second indicator 1404 is covered by the second lever 1314, the second latch 1312 can be in a locked position. In this way, the position of the latches 1212, 1312 can be determined without directly seeing the latches 1212, 1312, so as to ensure engagement between the coupling device and the mounting seat of the frame when necessary.

[0152] In one example, the first lever 1214 and the second lever 1314 can be independently actuated so that one of the levers 1214, 1314 can be in a disengaged position and the other can be in an engaged position. For example, the first lever 1214 can be actuated and the first latch 1212 can be retracted into the interior space of the coupling device 1200, while the second latch 1312 protrudes out of the bottom 1208 due to the second lever 1314 not being actuated. By doing so, the coupling device 1200 can remain locked (e.g., engaged) to a first mount of a first frame via the second latch 1312, while being unlocked (e.g., disengaged) from a second mount of a second frame different from the first frame via the retracted first latch 1212.

[0153] For example, go to Fig. 14B , showing the coupling device 1200 in a position where the second latch 1312 (not shown) is locked and the first latch 1212 is unlocked. Fig.14A The second indicator 1404 is blocked by the lever 1314, so it can be concluded (for example, by the installer) that the second latch 1312 is in the locked position. Fig. 14B In the position, if the bottom 1208 makes surface-sharing contact with a surface, the latch 1312 can protrude through the surface and interlock with the surface.

[0154] Conversely, because the first indicator 1402 is visible, it can be concluded (eg, by an installer) that the first latch 1212 protrudes less than the first indicator 1402. Fig.13 1356 (e.g., no protrusion at all or a protrusion to and not including distance 1356), and therefore is not in the locked position. Fig. 14B 1402, the latch 1212 may not fully extend through the surface and, therefore, may not securely interlock with the surface. During assembly of the coupling system, the installer can check the indicator (such as the first indicator 1402) to ensure that the coupling device 1200 is securely locking the components such as the frame together. If the indicator is visible, the installer can adjust the coupling device 1200 until the indicator is not visible to correct the misalignment of the coupling device 1200. In this way, the structural integrity of the coupling system can be visually confirmed during and after assembly.

[0155] Back to Fig.13In one example, the portion 1358 of each of the first latch 1212 and the second latch 1312 that protrudes from the body 1202 may include a triangular shape. The first latch 1212 and the second latch 1312 may be tilted in a direction so that the coupling device 1200 can be inserted into the mount without actuating the first lever 1214 or the second lever 1314. For example, the latches 1212, 1312 may be tilted toward the lever end 1228. That is, in the locked position, the latches 1212, 1312 may be tilted from being aligned with the body 1202 closest to the hinge end 1226 (up to a maximum protrusion distance 1356 from the body 1202 closest to the lever end 1228). In this manner, for example, when a surface (e.g., of the mount) slides along the top 1206 from the hinge end 1226 toward the latch 1212, the latch may remain protruding from the top 1206. When the surface reaches the latch 1212 and continues above it, the latch 1212 may be gradually pushed downward by the surface according to the inclination of the ramp shape of the portion of the latch 1212 that protrudes from the body 1202 in the locked position. Therefore, the surface that makes face-sharing contact with the top 1206 and slides across the ramp of the latch 1212 may retract the latch 1212 instead of actuating the lever 1214. Although not directly actuated, the lever 1214 may move toward the lever 1314 due to pushing the latch 1212 into the body 1202. For example, pushing the latch 1212 downward may directly push the lever 1214 and the first arm 1334 downward.

[0156] The surface may include an opening that, when aligned with the latch 1212, allows the latch 1212 to extend through the opening, thereby locking the latch 1212 to the surface. Fig.21A The surface 2112 of the mounting seat 902 is slid until the latch 1212 is aligned with the mounting seat opening 2114, thereby allowing the latch 1212 to pop up in the mounting seat opening and interlock with the corresponding mounting seat 902.

[0157] Latch 1312 can be similarly pushed upward via a surface that slides along bottom 1208 in face-sharing contact until it reaches an opening that can be popped into. As described above, latches 1212, 1312 can be independent of each other. Therefore, latch 1212 can be pushed downward by sliding across the first surface of top 1206, while latch 1312 remains in the locked position. Before, after, or instead of latch 1212 being pushed downward, latch 1312 can be pushed upward by sliding across the second surface of bottom 1208, while latch 1212 remains in the locked position. In addition or alternatively, latch 1212 and latch 1312 can be pushed toward each other at the same time by sliding against top 1206 and bottom 1208 through the first and second surfaces.

[0158] Thus, the latches 1212, 1312 can lock with a surface (e.g., a mount on a frame) to physically couple the surfaces with or without actuating the levers 1214, 1314. Moreover, the latches 1212, 1312 can lock with the surfaces sequentially or simultaneously, thereby allowing for flexible assembly, disassembly, or rearrangement of the coupling system including the surface and the coupling device 1200.

[0159] like Fig.15 As shown, the coupling device 1200 can be directed toward one of the plurality of mounts 902. The hinge end 1226 of the coupling device 1200 can be closer to the mount when positioned to engage with the mount 902 than the lever end 1228. For example, the coupling device 1200 can be directed toward the mount 902 so that the coupling device 1200 can engage with the mount 902 without actuating the first lever 1214 or the second lever 1314. Fig. 22 Show Fig.15 Detailed view of portion 1502 of the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the coupling device 1200 is positioned with the hinge end 1226 facing the rear side 1100 of the frame 900 and aligned with the mounting seat 902 along the x-direction. For example, the guide rail 2104 and the groove 1204 can be parallel to the x-direction. In addition, the bottom 1208 can be parallel to the surface 2112.

[0160] A first distance 2202 from the end wall 2106 to the end of the mount opening 2114 can be approximately the same as a second distance 2204 between the hinge end 1226 and the end of the latch 1212 farthest from the hinge end 1226. Fig. 22 1226 can be spaced a second distance 2204 away from the hinge end 1226. In this manner, when the latch 1312 is locked into the mount opening 2114, the latch 1312 can hold the coupling device securely against the end wall 2106. Thus, when the latch 1312 is in a locked position with the mount 902, the latch can prevent lateral movement of the coupling device 1200 in the x-direction relative to the frame 900. Additionally, the third distance 2206 between the mount opening 2114 and the back side 1100 of the frame 900 can be no longer than the fourth distance 2208 between the latch 1212, 1312 and the lever 1214, 1314. In this manner, the levers 1214 , 1314 may extend from the rear side 1100 such that the frame 900 does not interfere with actuation of the levers 1214 , 1314 when the coupling device 1200 is locked into the mount 902 .

[0161] Fig.16 The coupling device 1200 is shown coupled to the mount 902. For example, the coupling device 1200 can be coupled from the Fig.15 Slide to the position in Fig.16 1204 and the second pair 1224 are shown coupled to the guide rail 2104, wherein the bottom 1208 ( Fig. 22 not shown) and the surface of the mounting base 902 (e.g., Figures 21A to 22 However, due to the symmetrical design of the coupling device 1200, the coupling device 1200 can be flipped so that the first pair 1222 engages with the guide rail 2104 and the top 1206 and the surface of the mounting seat 902 are in face-sharing contact.

[0162] The guide rail 2104 engaged with the groove 1204 can maintain the position of the coupling device 1200 relative to the frame 900 in the radial direction and the tangential direction with respect to the frame 900. The radial direction and the tangential direction can be respectively Fig.16 In addition or alternatively, the radial direction and the tangential direction may be perpendicular to the guide rail 2104. In addition, the protrusion 1232 may directly contact the guide rail 2104. In this way, the protrusion can further enable the coupling device 1200 to be relative to the frame 900 in the radial direction (e.g., Fig.16 For example, the guide rail 2104 may be interposed between the protrusion 1232 and the bottom 1208. In some examples, an additional protrusion may extend from the coupling device 1200, which is configured to contact the guide rail 2104 in the locked position to increase the strength of the coupling between the coupling device 1200 and the frame 900 in the radial direction with respect to the frame 900.

[0163] The coupling device 1200 can make face-sharing contact with the end wall 2106. That is, the hinge end 1226 can be pressed against the inner surface of the end wall 2106. For example, the latch 1312 abuts against the mounting opening 2114 ( Fig.16 1100, so that the latch is locked into the mounting opening to maintain the coupling device 1200 relative to the frame 900 in the axial direction (e.g., about Fig.16 The axial direction may be parallel to the guide rail 2104.

[0164] The coupling device 1200 can engage with a second mount of the second frame. For example, the second mount can be slidingly engaged with the first pair 1222, with the top 1206 making face-sharing contact with a surface of the second mount, and the latch 1212 extending through an opening in the second mount. Additionally, additional coupling devices 1200 can be coupled to other mounts 902 of the frame 900. For example, each of the mounts 902 can engage with a coupling device 1200. In one example, there can be up to six coupling devices 1200 coupled to the frame 900.

[0165] Fig.17 A plurality of coupling devices 1700 are shown directed toward a mount in the plurality of mounts 902, which may be coupled to Fig.12 When this occurs, the coupling device 1200 remains physically coupled to a mount in the plurality of mounts 902. In this way, the coupling device 1200 can be physically coupled to the frame 900 in sequence to construct a coupling system according to the present disclosure. In addition, in order to disassemble or rearrange the coupling system, some coupling devices can remain engaged while others are disengaged. In this way, the coupling system of the present disclosure can be modular and can be rearranged after initial installation.

[0166] Fig.18 A plurality of coupling devices 1700 are shown physically coupled to a plurality of mounts 902. The plurality of coupling devices 1700 can be physically coupled to a first pair of mounts 904. Each of the coupling devices 1700 can be physically coupled to a corresponding mount in the plurality of mounts 902. Fig.18 In the example of FIG. 1 , three coupling devices 1200 are physically coupled to three different mounts in the plurality of mounts 902. Fig.18 In the example of FIG. 1 , three coupling devices 1200 can be configured to physically couple frame 900 to up to three other frames, which can be identical to frame 900. Two coupling devices 1200 can be coupled to two mounts of a second frame, such that Fig.18 The three coupling devices shown can physically couple frame 900 to up to two other frames. Fig.18 In the example of , up to three coupling devices can be engaged with frame 900. In this way, frame 900 can be coupled with up to six other mounts, for example, of three or more other frames, which can be the same as mount 902 of frame 900.

[0167] Fig.19 A detailed view of the coupling device 1200 is shown engaged with the mount 902 of the first pair of mounts 904. As described above, the coupling device 1200 can be reversibly slidably engaged with the guide rail 2104 and can be connected to the guide rail 2104 via the coupling device 1200. Fig.13The latch 1312 of the coupling device 1200 is locked with the opening 2114 so that the coupling device 1200 is in face-sharing contact with the end wall 2106. A second mount (e.g., of a second frame) can engage with the first pair 1222 of the coupling device 1200 and the latch 1212 to physically couple the mount 902 with the second mount. Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 1 , coupling device 1200 can withstand the load because it faces the vertical direction.

[0168] Fig.23 An exemplary coupling system 2300 is shown that includes a plurality of frames 900 and a plurality of coupling devices 1200. The coupling devices 1200 can interconnect the frames 900, as described above. The frames 900 can be identical to each other. Likewise, the coupling devices 1200 can be identical to each other.

[0169] For example, the first mount 902a of the first frame 900a may be physically coupled to the second mount 902b of the second frame 900b via the first coupling device 1200a. The first mount 902a and the second mount 902b may face each other with the first coupling device 1200a interposed between the first mount and the second mount. The first mount 902a and the second mount 902b may be horizontally adjacent, and the first coupling device 1200 may be a horizontal coupling device. A horizontal coupling device coupling horizontally adjacent frames may provide support between columns.

[0170] The interconnected frame 900 and coupling device 1200 can be physically coupled to the extendable bar 2302. The bar 2302 can be a rectangular bar. Alternatively, the bar 2302 can be cylindrical. The extendable element 2310 can slide into and out of the bar 2302 to extend the bar 2302 according to the structure on which the coupling system 2300 is installed. Fasteners 2312 can fix the extendable element 2310 with the bar 2302 at a desired length. The extendable element 2310 can be inserted into a second extendable bar to connect the two extendable bars 2302. In this way, additional columns of frames 900 can be added to the coupling system 2300.

[0171] The extendable bar 2302 may include one or more bar mounts 2314. The bar mounts 2314 may be identical to the mounts 902 of the frame 900. For example, the bar mounts 2314 may include rails adapted to engage with the lobed grooves of the coupling device 1200 and mounting openings configured to receive the latches of the coupling device 1200. In this manner, one or more of the coupling devices 1200 may engage with each of the mounts 902 and one of the bar mounts 2314 to attach the frame 900 to the extendable bar 2302. For example, the second coupling device 1200b may physically couple the third mount 902c of the first frame 900a with the fourth mount 2314a of the extendable bar 2302. The third mount 902c and the fourth mount 2314a may be vertically adjacent, such that the second coupling device 1200b may be a vertical coupling device. A vertical coupling device can withstand greater loads than a horizontal coupling device (such as the first coupling device 1200).

[0172] The bar 2302 can be fixed to the structure. For example, the structure can include a bar extending through a sliding coupler 2304 at the top of the extendable bar 2302. The sliding coupler 2304 can slide along the bar 2302 and be fixed to any point along the bar 2302. The sliding coupler 2304 can include a clamp 2308 and a fastener 2306, which fastens the clamp 2308 around the rod of the structure. In this way, the coupling system 2300 can be suspended from the structure at the top 2322 of the coupling system 2300. In some examples, the bottom 2324 of the coupling system 2300 can also be fixed to the same structure or a different structure. In other examples, the coupling system 2300 can be freely suspended (e.g., without fixing other points other than the top 2322). The frame 900 and the coupling device 1200 can bear the vertical load generated by the suspension, rather than the device arranged in the frame 900 and coupled to the frame via the boss 922 and the fastener 924. That is, the frame 900 and the coupling device 1200 can reduce the load on the appliance.

[0173] Vertically adjacent frames 900 may be spaced apart from each other by a vertical distance 2326. Horizontally adjacent frames 900 may be spaced apart from each other by a horizontal distance 2328. Vertical distance 2326 may be approximately equal to horizontal distance 2328. Alternatively, vertical distance 2326 may be longer or shorter than horizontal distance 2328. Vertical distance 2326 and horizontal distance 2328 may be large enough to allow actuation (e.g., rotation, turning, pivoting, etc.) of the implements without causing the implements to collide.

[0174] In this way, the coupling system 2300 can support multiple appliances. The coupling system 2300 can include an array (e.g., individual columns or rows), a grid, or a lattice configuration. For example, each column can include up to fifteen frames. In another example, each column can include up to twenty frames. In another example, each column can include up to fifty frames. Any number of bars 2302 can be arranged side by side to extend the row and increase the number of columns of frames. Between adjacent frames 900 in a column (e.g., vertically adjacent frames), two coupling devices 1200 can engage with the mounting seat of each of the frames 900. Between adjacent frames 900 in a row (e.g., horizontally adjacent frames), one coupling device 1200 can engage with the mounting seat of each of the frames 900. In this way, due to the large vertical load, there can be more vertical coupling devices than horizontal coupling devices. In other examples, different numbers of coupling devices can be used. For example, there can be one or more coupling devices between multiple pairs of vertically adjacent frames, and there can be one or more coupling devices between multiple pairs of horizontally adjacent frames.

[0175] The coupling system 2300 can support the device throughout its range of motion (such as rotation). In addition, in the device includes a lens actuation system (e.g., Figures 4A to 8B In the example of the lens actuation system 400 in FIG. 1 , the coupling system 2300 can support the apparatus throughout the range of motion of the lens (eg, movement of the lens 150 between an upstream position and a downstream position).

[0176] The technical effect of the coupling system disclosed herein is to interlock multiple appliances in a modular configuration (including vertical arrays, horizontal arrays, grids and lattices). The coupling system can remove the load bearing from the appliance. Due to the interlocked frame and coupling device, the coupling system can support the appliance to reduce sagging. The groove of the coupling device can be slidably engaged with the guide rail of the mounting seat of the frame to fix the coupling device relative to the frame in two directions perpendicular to each other. The latch extending into the mounting opening in the mounting seat can fix the coupling device relative to the frame in a third direction perpendicular to these two directions. In addition, the coupling device may include an indicator that visually shows whether the latch of the coupling device is in a locked position or in an unlocked position. When the latch is locked in place, the lever that actuates the latch may cover the indicator. In this way, since the state of the coupling device can be seen even if the latch is not directly visible, it is more likely to correctly install the coupling system (for example, the coupling device is firmly engaged with the frame). In addition, the spring including the arm can press against the lever so that the static state of the coupling device is a locked position. In addition, the latch may tilt toward the lever. In this way, the coupling device may be engaged with the mount with or without direct actuation of the levers, for example by pinching the levers towards each other.

[0177] The present disclosure also provides support for a coupling device, the coupling device comprising: a body having a top, a bottom, a hinge end, and a lever end; a first latch and a second latch, the first latch and the second latch being movable between an unlocked position and a locked position via a first lever and a second lever, respectively, in which the first latch and the second latch are located within the body, and in which the first latch protrudes from the top and the second latch protrudes from the bottom; a lobed groove or guide extending between the hinge end and the lever end, wherein a first pair of the lobed grooves or guides are adjacent to the top and a second pair of the lobed grooves or guides are adjacent to the bottom. In a first example of the system, the coupling device further comprises a spring, the spring comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a curved portion located between the first arm and the second arm. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the first latch extends through the first lever and the first arm, the second latch extends through the second lever and the second arm, the first lever is interposed between the first arm and the top, and the second lever is interposed between the second arm and the bottom. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the first lever and the second lever are independently actuated. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, the coupling device further includes: a first indicator, when visible, indicating that the first latch has been unlocked; and a second indicator, when visible, indicating that the second latch has been unlocked. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the first latch and the second latch are tilted toward the lever end.

[0178] The present invention also provides support for a frame, the frame comprising: a plurality of mounts arranged circumferentially along a ring of the frame, wherein each of the plurality of mounts comprises a mount opening and a lobed groove or guide on opposite sides of the mount opening, the lobed groove or guide extending axially about the ring. In a first example of the system, the plurality of mounts comprises a first mount facing a first direction, a second mount facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, a third mount facing a third direction, and a fourth mount facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, wherein the third direction and the fourth direction are normal to the first direction and the second direction, respectively. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, a first pair of mounts comprises the first mount and a fifth mount facing the first direction, and a second pair of mounts comprises a second mount and a sixth mount facing the second direction. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first example and the second example, one or more of the plurality of mounts further comprises a triangular body that flushes the curvature of the frame.

[0179] The present disclosure also provides support for a coupling system, the coupling system comprising: a plurality of frames, including a first frame and a second frame, the plurality of frames being arranged in an array or a grid, each of the plurality of frames circumferentially surrounding an optical device and physically coupled to the optical device; and a plurality of coupling devices, including a first coupling device, the first coupling device slidingly engaging with a first mount of the first frame and a second mount of the second frame via complementary rails and grooves, wherein the first coupling device further comprises a first latch and a second latch, the first latch and the second latch protruding from a body of the first coupling device in a locked position and retractable into the body in an unlocked position. In a first example of the system, the slidingly engaged complementary rails and grooves maintain the position of the first coupling device relative to the first frame and the second frame in a radial direction and a tangential direction. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, in the locked position, the first latch and the second latch are each locked into a mounting opening of one of the first mount and the second mount, so that the position of the first coupling device relative to the first frame and the second frame in an axial direction is maintained. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the first frame is vertically suspended from a bar including a bar mount via a second coupling device, and the second coupling device is physically coupled to a third mount of the first frame and the bar mount. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, the bar mount is the same as the mount of the multiple frames. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the multiple frames are coupled to the center of gravity of the optical device. In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth examples, the first latch is movable via a first lever, and the second latch is movable via a second lever, and wherein the first lever and the second lever are independent, so that one of the first latch and the second latch is in the locked position and the other is in the unlocked position. In a seventh example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, the plurality of frames and the plurality of coupling devices support the optical device throughout the movement of the lens within the optical device. In an eighth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to seventh examples, two coupling devices are interposed between vertically adjacent frames, and one coupling device is interposed between horizontally adjacent frames.In a ninth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to eighth examples, the first latch and the second latch are spring loaded so that the locked position is a rest position of the first coupling device.

[0180] In another representation, the present invention also provides support for a coupling system, the coupling system comprising: a first frame, which includes a plurality of mounts arranged circumferentially along the ring of the frame; and a coupling device, which engages with a first mount of the plurality of mounts and a second mount of a second frame, wherein the first frame is identical to the second frame and is horizontally adjacent or vertically adjacent, and the plurality of mounts and the second mount include guide rails complementary to the grooves of the coupling device. In a first example of the system, the coupling device includes a first latch at the top and a second latch at the bottom. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the first latch is movable via a first lever, and the second latch is movable via a second lever. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the guide rails are slidably engaged with the grooves so that the position of the coupling device relative to the frame and the second frame in radial and tangential directions is maintained. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, in the locked position, the first latch and the second latch are each locked into the mounting opening of one of the first and second mounts, so that the position of the coupling device relative to the first frame and the second frame in the axial direction is maintained. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the first frame is coupled to the center of gravity of the appliance arranged in the central opening of the frame. In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth examples, the coupling device further includes: a first indicator, when visible, the first indicator indicates that the first latch has been unlocked; and a second indicator, when visible, the second indicator indicates that the second latch has been unlocked. In a seventh example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, the first frame is vertically suspended from a bar including a bar mount via a second coupling device, and the second coupling device is physically coupled to a third mount of the first frame and the bar mount.

[0181] In another representation, the present disclosure also provides support for a coupling system, the coupling system comprising: a first frame comprising a ring and a plurality of mounts arranged circumferentially around the ring, wherein the plurality of mounts each comprises a mount opening and a guide rail; and a coupling device that locks with a mount of the plurality of mounts, wherein the coupling device comprises a groove that is slidably engaged with the guide rail and a first latch that extends through the mount opening. In a first example of the system, the coupling device further comprises a second latch that extends through a second mounting opening of a second frame that is the same as the first frame. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the first latch is retractable to an unlocked position via a first lever, and the second latch is retractable to the unlocked position via a second lever of the coupling device. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the first lever and the second lever are independent, so that one of the first latch and the second latch is in a locked position and the other is in an unlocked position. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, the first latch and the second latch are tilted toward the first lever and the second lever. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the coupling device further includes a spring including an arm pressed against the first lever and the second lever. In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth examples, the frame circumferentially surrounds the optical device and is physically coupled to the optical device.

[0182] In another representation, the present disclosure also provides support for a coupling system, the coupling system comprising: a plurality of frames arranged in rows and columns, each of the plurality of frames comprising a mount, the mount comprising a first mount facing a first direction, a second mount facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, a third mount facing a third direction, and a fourth mount facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, wherein the third direction and the fourth direction are normal to each of the first direction and the second direction, a plurality of coupling devices engage with the mounts and interconnect the plurality of frames. In a first example of the system, a first pair of mounts comprises the first mount and a fifth mount facing the first direction, and a second pair of mounts comprises a second mount and a sixth mount facing the second direction. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, each of the mounts comprises a receptacle for one of the plurality of coupling devices, the receptacle comprising rails on both sides of an opening of the mount and end walls connecting the rails. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the plurality of coupling devices each include a groove having a shape complementary to the rail and a latch reversibly locked with the mounting opening. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, one or more of the mounts include a triangular body that flushes the curvature of the frame.

[0183] As used in this application, an element or step described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding the plural elements or steps, unless otherwise specified. In addition, references to "one embodiment" or "an example" of the present disclosure should not be understood to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that also include the described features. Terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or specific positional order on their objects. The following claims specifically point out the subject matter considered novel and non-obvious in the above disclosure.

[0184] It should be understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are illustrative in nature, and these specific embodiments should not be considered restrictive, as there may be numerous variations. Moreover, unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. do not indicate any order, position, quantity, or importance, but are merely used as labels to distinguish one element from another. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations and other features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein.

[0185] As used herein, the term "about" should be interpreted as a range of plus or minus 5 percent, unless otherwise specified.

[0186] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "an" element or "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amendment of the present claims or by presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, are also deemed to be included in the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A coupling device, comprising: a body having a top, a bottom, a hinge end, and a lever end; a first latch and a second latch, the first latch and the second latch being movable between an unlocked position and a locked position via a first lever and a second lever, the first latch and the second latch being located within the body in the unlocked position, the first latch protruding from the top and the second latch protruding from the bottom in the locked position; Lobe-shaped grooves or rails extend between the hinge end and the lever end, wherein a first pair of the lobe-shaped grooves or rails are adjacent to the top and a second pair of the lobe-shaped grooves or rails are adjacent to the bottom. 2 . The coupling device according to claim 1 , wherein the coupling device further comprises a spring, the spring comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a bent portion located between the first arm and the second arm.

3. A coupling device according to claim 2, wherein the first latch extends through the first lever and the first arm, the second latch extends through the second lever and the second arm, the first lever is inserted between the first arm and the top, and the second lever is inserted between the second arm and the bottom.

4. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the first lever and the second lever are independently actuated.

5. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device further comprises: a first indicator that, when visible, indicates that the first latch has been unlocked; and a second indicator that, when visible, indicates that the second latch has been unlocked.

6. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the first latch and the second latch are inclined toward the lever end.

7. A framework comprising: A plurality of mounts are arranged circumferentially along a ring of the frame, wherein each of the plurality of mounts includes a mount opening and a lobe-shaped groove or rail on opposite sides of the mount opening, the lobe-shaped groove or rail extending axially relative to the ring.

8. A frame according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of mounting seats include a first mounting seat facing a first direction, a second mounting seat facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, a third mounting seat facing a third direction, and a fourth mounting seat facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, wherein the third direction and the fourth direction are normal to the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

9. The frame of claim 8, wherein a first pair of mounts includes the first mount and a fifth mount facing the first direction, and a second pair of mounts includes a second mount and a sixth mount facing the second direction.

10. The frame of claim 7, wherein one or more of the plurality of mounts further comprises a triangular body that flushes a curvature of the frame.

11. A coupling system, comprising: a plurality of frames including a first frame and a second frame arranged in an array or grid, each frame of the plurality of frames circumferentially surrounding an optical device and physically coupled to the optical device; and A plurality of coupling devices, including a first coupling device, which is slidably engaged with a first mounting seat of the first frame and a second mounting seat of the second frame via complementary guide rails and grooves, wherein the first coupling device further includes a first latch and a second latch, which protrude from a body of the first coupling device in a locked position and can be retracted into the body in an unlocked position.

12. The coupling system of claim 11, wherein the slidingly engaged complementary rails and grooves maintain the position of the first coupling device relative to the first frame and the second frame in radial and tangential directions.

13. A coupling system according to claim 11, wherein in the locked position, the first latch and the second latch are each locked into a mounting opening of one of the first mounting seat and the second mounting seat, so that the position of the first coupling device in the axial direction relative to the first frame and the second frame is maintained.

14. The coupling system of claim 11, wherein the first frame is vertically suspended from a bar including a bar mount via a second coupling device that is physically coupled to a third mount of the first frame and the bar mount.

15. The coupling system of claim 14, wherein the bar mounts are the same as the mounts of the plurality of frames.

16. The coupling system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of frames are coupled to a center of gravity of the optical device.

17. A coupling system according to claim 11, wherein the first latch is movable via a first lever and the second latch is movable via a second lever, and wherein the first lever and the second lever are independent so that one of the first latch and the second latch is in the locked position and the other is in the unlocked position.

18. The coupling system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of frames and the plurality of coupling devices support the optical device throughout movement of a lens within the optical device.

19. The coupling system of claim 11, wherein two coupling devices are interposed between vertically adjacent frames and one coupling device is interposed between horizontally adjacent frames.

20. The coupling system of claim 11, wherein the first latch and the second latch are spring loaded such that the latched position is a resting position of the first coupling device.

Images