Foldable Reflector Frame Segmentation for Stability and Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflectors, particularly the round or oval steel-ring type, suffer from restricted size, poor stability, and an uneven reflecting surface, while square reflectors, although more stable, are not foldable and thus less practical for portability and use in various photography settings.
Innovation Solution
A foldable reflector with a simple structure, featuring a frame connected by serially connected frame strips with holding rods and lock pins that allow for easy folding and convenient portability, utilizing a locking mechanism with a sliding bar and locking spring to facilitate folding without requiring complex hand-clipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a square reflector with a rigid aluminum alloy skeleton is used, then stability and reflective surface quality are improved, but portability and ease of storage deteriorate because it cannot be folded
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector frame is divided into multiple detachable frame strips that can be connected and disconnected through hinge joints. Each frame strip can be independently positioned and locked, allowing the structure to be folded into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining rigidity when assembled for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates hinge joints and locking mechanisms that allow the structure to transition dynamically between a rigid extended state for use and a compact folded state for storage. The locking pins enable the frame to be secured in specific positions, providing stability when needed while allowing easy folding when portability is required.
2Ease of operation
If a round or oval steel-ring reflector is used, then portability and light weight are improved, but stability and reflective surface quality deteriorate due to the flexible steel ring structure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a continuous flexible steel ring, the frame is segmented into multiple rigid frame strips connected by hinges. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain rigidity in its extended state while still being foldable for portability, resolving the contradiction between stability and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector combines rigid frame strips (made of materials like aluminum alloy or wood) with flexible connecting hinges to create a composite structure. This composite approach provides the rigidity needed for stable reflective surface while maintaining the flexibility to fold for portability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a square reflector with rigid structure is used, then reflective surface quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to disassembly requirements for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables the frame to dynamically transition between assembled and folded states. The locking pins can be quickly inserted or removed to secure or release the hinge joints, allowing the reflector to be set up or stored without complex disassembly procedures, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
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
The foldable reflector provides a portable, rigid, and smooth reflective surface with improved stability and ease of use, allowing for better light manipulation in photography, enhancing the practicality and versatility of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a locking spring in the holding rod for insertion of the locking block into the locking groove; and two ends of the locking spring abut the holding rod and the pressing block respectively
Implementation Method 2
two ends of such holding rod are hinged with a corresponding frame strip respectively via matching lock pins on the holding rod
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable reflector includes a frame connected by a plurality of frame strips serially connected, wherein there is a holding rod between two adjacent frame strips and two ends of such holding rod are hinged with corresponding frame strip respectively via corresponding lock pins on the holding rod. The portable reflector in the present invention is made up of rigid frame strips with firm structure and the reflective surface is relatively more even with better reflection effects; the portable reflector in the present invention is foldable, portable and convenient; and the portable reflector in the present invention is provided with easy folding without clipping hands. The pressing block is provided with an exposed surface with bulges to enhance the sense of touch.