Animation Wheel for Automated Luminaire Gobo Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated luminaire systems require rotating through intermediate gobos to switch between non-adjacent gobos, and struggle with inserting and removing gobos larger than the optical aperture without precise positioning control.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism using two orthogonal screw drives and motors to position a gobo wheel or carrier plate directly across the optical aperture, allowing for immediate selection of any gobo without passing through intermediates, and enabling gobos larger than the aperture to be inserted or removed in any position or orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional rotating gobo wheel is used, then the structure is simple, but switching between non-adjacent gobos requires rotating through intermediate gobos, increasing time and reducing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional rotational selection mechanism to a two-dimensional Cartesian positioning system. The gobo wheel is mounted on orthogonal screw drives that enable independent X and Y axis movement, allowing direct positioning of any gobo at the optical aperture without rotating through intermediate positions. This dimensional change enables jump cuts between non-adjacent gobos, dramatically improving switching speed and eliminating time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gobos larger than the optical aperture are used, then more creative effects are possible, but precise positioning and control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system using orthogonal screw drives with motors that can precisely control the position of the gobo wheel in two dimensions. This dynamic mechanism allows large gobos to be accurately positioned at the optical aperture regardless of their size, enabling precise control over which portion of the gobo is illuminated. The system adapts to gobos of varying sizes and orientations while maintaining measurement precision through motorized control.
3Productivity
If a mechanism with two orthogonal screw drives is used, then direct positioning of any gobo is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orthogonal screw drive mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the gobo wheel in two dimensions, enables direct selection of any gobo, and accommodates gobos of various sizes and orientations. This multi-functional mechanism consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated solution, improving productivity while managing device complexity through functional consolidation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and precise selection of any gobo, minimizing movement and time, and allowing for dynamic effects like rainfall or fire simulations with gobos of varying sizes and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanism using two orthogonal screw drives and motors to position a gobo wheel or carrier plate directly across the optical aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an animation wheel for an automated luminaire for quick and direct movement between different individual gobos or for positioning anywhere through a plate which substantially exceed the size of the light beam cross-section.