Collapsible Photography Lighting Box with Telescoping Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photography light boxes are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to set up and break down, making them unsuitable for portable and modular photography solutions.

Innovation Solution

A portable, modular, and collapsible lighting box system comprising a frame with releasable tubular members and telescoping beams that can be easily assembled and disassembled, combined with fabric panels and a canopy to create a studio-like lighting environment using natural sunlight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional light boxes are used to create a controlled lighting environment, then lighting quality is improved, but portability and ease of setup deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting qualityVSAvoidease of setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light box is divided into modular components including a collapsible frame, removable panels, and separable canopy sections. Each component can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing the system to maintain professional lighting quality while enabling easy setup and portability. The frame segments connect via simple joints, and panels can be attached or removed without specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If traditional light boxes are used to create a controlled lighting environment, then lighting quality is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the light box into standardized modular components, the system reduces overall complexity. Each module performs a single function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for complex integrated mechanisms. The standardized connection interfaces simplify assembly procedures and reduce the skill level required for setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal interfaces that allow them to be used in various configurations and combinations. The same frame segments and panels can be rearranged to create different lighting setups, reducing the total number of unique parts needed and simplifying the overall system design while maintaining lighting quality.

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

3Illumination intensity

If traditional light boxes are used to create a controlled lighting environment, then lighting quality is improved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting qualityVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the light box into separate modular components allows each part to be optimized for lightweight construction. The collapsible frame uses thin-walled tubular members that minimize weight while maintaining structural integrity, and panels can be made from lightweight fabrics or thin materials. Individual components can be carried separately, distributing the weight burden and improving overall portability without sacrificing lighting quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame incorporates collapsible and telescoping mechanisms that allow the structure to compact into a small carrying case when not in use. The telescoping beams can be retracted, and the canopy can be folded or rolled, transforming the bulky light box into a portable package that minimizes weight and volume during transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10310359B2Retractable lighting box for photography
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 DESMOND MICHAEL
  • US10310359B2 patent drawing
  • US10310359B2 patent drawing
  • US10310359B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lighting box for photography comprising paneling held in place via a frame that can by quickly assembled and broken down from a small, lightweight carrying case. The lighting box is configured to generate studio-type lighting in a portable configuration via use of natural sunlight.