Flash Illumination Device Unintended Rotation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flash devices with auto bounce functions face issues where accidental external forces can shift the light emitting direction unintended by the user, leading to improper illumination, requiring high holding forces or complex mechanisms that increase size and cost.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device with a control unit that selects between two modes: one where it corrects unintended rotations detected by a detection unit, and another where it does not, using a drive unit, clutch mechanism, and touch sensors to differentiate between user-induced and accidental movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clutch mechanism with high holding force is used to prevent unintended rotation, then the light emitting direction stability is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clutch mechanism with an electromagnetic brake that uses electromagnetic force to hold the head unit at the correct angle. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving holding reliability, as the electromagnetic brake can provide sufficient holding force without the complex mechanical components of a clutch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from passive mechanical holding to active electromagnetic control with detection feedback. The detection unit monitors the head unit angle, and the control unit activates the electromagnetic brake only when unintended rotation is detected, optimizing the balance between stability and device simplicity.
2Reliability
If a click mechanism and lock mechanism are provided to hold the head unit, then the light emitting direction stability is improved, but the drive mechanism complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the click mechanism and lock mechanism with an electromagnetic brake system controlled by a detection unit. This eliminates the need for multiple mechanical components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining position stability through electromagnetic holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit automatically detects when the head unit has been rotated from its correct position and triggers the electromagnetic brake to correct the position, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex mechanical locking mechanisms.
3Power
If a high-output motor is used to overcome the resistive force of the click mechanism, then the drive capability is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical click mechanism that requires high motor power to overcome with an electromagnetic brake system. This allows the use of a smaller, lower-power motor since the electromagnetic brake provides holding force without requiring the motor to generate excessive force to overcome mechanical resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device selects any one of a first mode, in which, when a detection unit detects a rotation of a second casing even when a second casing is not rotated by a drive unit, a control unit causes the drive unit to rotate the second casing to a position of the second casing before the rotation of the second casing is detected by the detection unit or a second mode, in which, when the detection unit detects the rotation of the second casing even when the second casing is not rotated by the drive unit, the control unit does not cause the drive unit to rotate the second casing to the position of the second casing before the rotation of the second casing is detected by the detection unit.