Flexible Finger Aperture for Interchangeable Light Effects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors have a compact design that makes it difficult to replace optical components like gobos without angling or using tools, leading to space constraints and awkward maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A light effect system with aperture elements featuring flexible 'fingers' that surround the optical components, allowing for easy interchange by pushing or pulling in a perpendicular direction, without requiring additional space or tool usage, and incorporating a sun gear system for motor-driven rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional compact projector design is used, then space efficiency is improved, but ease of replacing optical components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical component holder is segmented into a body portion and a protruding portion that can be independently manipulated. The protruding portion extends beyond the aperture element plane, creating a dedicated access point for component replacement that does not require disassembling the main housing or angling the replacement tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion acts as an intermediary element between the aperture element and the external environment. It provides a mechanical interface that allows users to engage replacement tools or fingers to remove and install optical components without directly accessing the confined aperture space.
2Reliability
If tool-based replacement methods are used, then reliability of component installation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture element holder is designed to be self-servicing through its protruding portion that enables direct manual manipulation. Users can easily grasp the protruding portion with fingers to remove and install optical components without requiring specialized tools, making the system self-maintainable.
3Volume of moving object
If angling replacement method is used, then space constraints are addressed, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion is pre-positioned to extend perpendicular to the aperture element plane, establishing a predetermined access path for component replacement. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that subsequent replacement actions occur along a precise, perpendicular trajectory, maintaining manufacturing precision while addressing space constraints.
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 simple and cost-effective interchange of optical components without angling or bending, minimizing space requirements and facilitating easy assembly and maintenance, while allowing for precise positioning and rotation of light effect elements.
Implementation Method 1
a light effect system with aperture elements featuring flexible 'fingers' that surround the optical components, allowing for easy interchange by pushing or pulling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A light effect system (2,102) includes a light source (8,108) and one or more aperture elements (14,114) interposed between the light source (8,108) and an exit lens (12) of the system. The aperture element (14,114) comprises at least one aperture (16,116) and at least one light effect element (8,20,22,24,118,120,122) positioned therein. This invention concems a system where the aperture element (14,114) comprises at least two "fingers" (26,28,126,128) partly surrounding each light effect element (18,20,22,24,118,120,122) in at least 180° of the circumference. These snapping "fingers" (26,28,126,128) engage with the contour of the outer surface of the said light effect element (18,20,22,24,118,120,122) in order to hold the light effect element (18,20,22,24,118,120,122) in position in the aperture (16,116), and the said fingers (26,28,126,128) are formed of a flexible material. Hereby, it is achieved that the locking and releasing of the light effect component can be done by push and pull in an ideal perpendicular direction to the light park In other words, no angling, bending or twisting is necessary, so a minimum of space is required.