Flash Bracket with Curved Arm for Orientation Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera flash support systems fail to efficiently adjust the orientation of a flash unit between landscape and portrait orientations, leading to undesirable lighting in photographs when the camera is held vertically.

Innovation Solution

A flash bracket with a curved flash arm and a pivotally attached flash mount that allows for easy repositioning of the flash unit without tools, enabling secure attachment and detachment, and accommodating 90-degree camera rotations for optimal flash placement in both orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flash is supported on top of the camera in a fixed position, then the structure is simple and stable, but the flash orientation cannot be adjusted when the camera is held vertically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash orientation adjustmentVSAvoidbracket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flash bracket employs a curved arm that can pivot and rotate, transforming a static support structure into a dynamic one. The arm can be positioned at different angles and locked in place, allowing the flash to be oriented correctly whether the camera is held horizontally or vertically, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is divided into multiple functional segments: a base that attaches to the camera, a curved arm for positioning, and a flash mounting section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling orientation adjustment without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex adjustable bracket is used to change flash orientation, then adaptability improves, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash orientation adjustmentVSAvoidtool-free adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket uses a dynamic curved arm with pivot points that allow smooth movement into different positions. The arm can be easily rotated and tilted to the desired angle, and locking mechanisms secure it in place, providing both adjustability and ease of operation without requiring tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flash mount is fixed relative to the camera, then the structure is stable, but it cannot accommodate 90-degree camera rotations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera rotation accommodationVSAvoidflash position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The curved arm incorporates pivot joints that allow the flash mount to rotate and tilt independently of the camera body. This dynamic connection maintains a stable flash position relative to the subject while accommodating any rotation of the camera, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7457535B2Flash bracket

Publication Date: 2008.11.25 REALLY RIGHT STUFF LLC

AI summary

A bracket suitable for supporting a flash.