Collapsible V-Flat Frame with Locking Hinges for Portable Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional V-Flats are cumbersome and not portable, limiting their use in photography and film due to their large and inflexible design, despite being versatile tools for light reflection, background, and light modification.
Innovation Solution
A portable, collapsible V-Flat system with a removable fabric mounted on a collapsible frame, featuring interchangeable fabrics and a locking mechanism with hinges and elastic cord for easy setup, dismantling, and transportation, allowing use as a reflector, backdrop, or light modifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional V-Flats are made large to provide adequate coverage for photography, then lighting control effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The V-Flat board is divided into multiple collapsible segments that can fold together to form a compact structure when not in use, while still providing full coverage area when deployed for photography
Solution Approach 2:
The V-Flat board transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure that can change its configuration between deployed and stored states, enabling both full area coverage and portability
2Weight of moving object
If V-Flat boards are made lightweight using foam core material, then ease of handling is improved, but structural stability and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The board is segmented into multiple connected sections that can fold and collapse, allowing the structure to maintain stability when deployed while reducing overall weight compared to a solid foam core board of the same size
Solution Approach 2:
The V-Flat board uses composite construction combining lightweight materials with a collapsible frame structure, achieving both reduced weight and maintained structural stability through the integrated design
3Ease of manufacture
If V-Flats are designed as fixed single-purpose boards, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The V-Flat board is designed with interchangeable fabric covers that can be attached to the collapsible frame, allowing a single board structure to serve multiple functions including reflector, backdrop, and light modifier by simply changing the fabric attachment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a device for controlling photography lighting. The device comprises a collapsible frame and a removable fabric. The collapsible frame comprises a plurality of frame segments alternating with a plurality of hinges to form a loop. Each of the plurality of hinges includes a corresponding lock to lock the hinge at an angle. The removable fabric may be attached to a plurality of attachment points along the frame when each of the plurality of locks is in the locked position.