Belt Tensioning Integrated into Yoke Shell for Moving Head Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art moving head lighting fixtures are complex and costly to manufacture, complicating serviceability and increasing prices due to numerous components, which shifts market competition focus from optical performance to quality, serviceability, and price.

Innovation Solution

A moving head lighting fixture design featuring interlocking yoke shell parts that form a monocoque structure, reducing the need for a strong interior metal structure and simplifying manufacturing, with belt tensioning mechanisms integrated into the yoke shell parts to streamline assembly and eliminate additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional moving head lighting fixtures use multiple separate components for structure and belt tensioning, then structural integrity can be maintained, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the belt tensioning mechanism with the yoke shell part by integrating a groove structure directly into the shell. This merging eliminates the need for separate tensioning components while maintaining the structural integrity required for proper belt tensioning and motor-bearing alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The yoke shell part is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides the belt through its groove, and integrates the belt tensioning mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while ensuring the shell remains strong enough to maintain proper geometric relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional fixtures use numerous separate components, then functional requirements can be met, but ease of manufacture deteriorates and assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the belt tensioning groove directly into the yoke shell part, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The groove is formed as part of the shell molding or machining process, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate tensioning components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If traditional fixtures have many components, then functional requirements are satisfied, but serviceability becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveserviceabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of belt tensioning functionality into the yoke shell reduces the number of parts that can fail and require replacement. With fewer separate components, there are fewer potential failure points and simpler maintenance procedures, as the shell itself serves as both structural element and tensioning mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2536975B1Belt tensioning means integrated into illumination device shell part
Publication Date: 2015.04.29 MARTIN PROFESSIONAL
  • EP2536975B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2536975B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2536975B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention discloses an illumination device comprising a base, a yoke connected to and rotatable relative to the base and a head connected to and rotatable relative to the yoke. The head comprises at least one light source generating light and the yoke comprises at least one yoke shell part and at least one motor connected to a bearing through a belt. The yoke shell part comprises belt tensioning means adapted to tighten the belt upon mounting of said yoke shell part. The present invention discloses further a method of manufacturing such illumination device. The method comprises the steps of arranging at least one motor on the yoke, arranging at least one bearing on the yoke, connecting the motor and the bearing by arranging a belt there between and arranging a yoke shell part on the and tightening the belt using said belt tensioning means.