Flash Generator Capacitor Segmentation for Color Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flash generators face challenges in controlling the energy provided to flash devices while achieving a desired color temperature, particularly due to limitations in capacitor banks and high current handling, and lack scalability and cost-effectiveness for continuous energy levels.
Innovation Solution
A flash generator comprising a first capacitor bank of foil type capacitors and a second capacitor bank of electrolytic type capacitors, allowing individual control of charging voltages and simultaneous discharge to achieve desired energy levels and color temperatures, with the option to charge and discharge each bank independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single capacitor bank is charged to a higher voltage to provide desired energy, then the energy level is sufficient, but the color temperature deviates from the desired value
Solution Approach 1:
The single capacitor bank is segmented into two separate capacitor banks with different discharge characteristics. The first capacitor bank (C1) provides high current density for color temperature control, while the second capacitor bank (C2) provides additional energy. This segmentation allows independent control of energy level and color temperature by adjusting the charge voltages of C1 and C2 separately.
2Temperature
If a set of different capacitors is used to provide discrete energy levels, then the color temperature can be maintained, but the number of energy levels is limited and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a fixed set of discrete capacitors, the invention uses two dynamically controllable capacitor banks with adjustable charge voltages. By varying the charge voltage of C2 while keeping C1 at a fixed voltage, continuously variable energy levels can be achieved while maintaining the desired color temperature, making the system adaptive and versatile.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the discharge is interrupted to cut off remaining energy, then the energy level is controlled, but the color temperature changes and high current circuits cannot handle the interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge path is segmented into two parallel paths through diodes D1 and D2, allowing the capacitor banks to discharge independently. This eliminates the need for high current interruption circuits, as the desired energy level is achieved by controlling the charge voltage of C2 before discharge begins, not by interrupting the discharge.
4Device complexity
If a single capacitor bank is used, then the device is simple, but the flash duration cannot be shortened and the lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the system (the two capacitor banks) are given different local qualities - C1 uses foil capacitors optimized for short duration and high current density, while C2 uses electrolytic capacitors optimized for energy storage. This allows the system to achieve short flash duration and extended lifespan without excessive complexity.
5Use of energy by moving object
If capacitor banks with different discharge characteristics are used, then the energy and color temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two capacitor banks with different discharge characteristics are merged into a single parallel configuration with a common discharge path through the flash device. This merging allows the benefits of different capacitor types to be combined while using simple parallel circuitry and individual diode paths, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 predictable and reliable flash performance, shorter flash duration, longer lifespan, and more options for photographers by mixing capacitor types, achieving desired energy and color temperature with improved current density and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor bank (11) comprising at least one capacitor of a first type... a second capacitor bank (12) comprising at least one capacitor of a second type
Implementation Method 2
The generator (10) is configured to individually control the first switch (14) and the second switch (15) so that the first capacitor bank (11) and the second capacitor bank (12) can be individually charged to the same or different voltages
Implementation Method 3
The flash device discharges by igniting ignition circuits inside the flash device and thus drains the capacitor C... the resulting emitted light from the flash device
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a generator for a flash device. The generator comprises at least a first capacitor bank comprising at least one capacitor of a first type. The first capacitor bank being connectable to a charger via a first switch. The first capacitor bank being further connected to an output via a first component which only allows current flow from the first capacitor bank to the output. The generator further comprises at least a second capacitor bank comprising at least one capacitor of a second type connectable to the charger via a second switch. The second capacitor bank being further connected to the output via a second component which only allows current flow from the second capacitor bank to the output. The generator is configured to individually control the first switch and the second switch so that the first capacitor bank and the second capacitor bank can be individually charged to the same or different voltages. The generator further comprises a flash trigger switch connected to a trigger output for providing a trigger voltage to a flash device connectable to the generator.