Foldable Softbox Chuck With Complementary Annular Bases for Stable Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable softbox chucks with semi-circular structures are not structurally stable when unfolded and require a chassis for support, and their storage volume is large, making them inconvenient to carry and transport.
Innovation Solution
A foldable softbox chuck design featuring a first base with a central angle greater than 180° and a second base that complements the notch of the first base to form a complete annular shape, with a locking mechanism to switch between unfolded and folded states, allowing the bases to be stacked for a flat storage configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the softbox chuck is designed as a semi-circular structure to enable folding, then the storage volume is reduced, but the structural stability when unfolded deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The softbox chuck is divided into multiple modular components: a first base with a notch, a second base to complement the notch, and multiple support rods. This segmentation allows the structure to fold into a compact form while maintaining stability when unfolded, as each segment can be precisely configured to work with the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rods are designed to be nested within the circular opening of the bases when folded, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement minimizes storage volume while allowing the full structural configuration to be restored when unfolded and locked into place.
2Ease of operation
If the softbox chuck is designed as a semi-circular structure to enable folding, then the portability is improved, but the structural completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck is segmented into a first base and a second base, where the second base complements the notch in the first base. This segmentation enables the folding mechanism while ensuring that when assembled, a complete circular structure is formed, maintaining both portability and structural completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The first base is designed with an asymmetric notch configuration, and the second base is designed to complement this asymmetry. This asymmetric design allows the two bases to fit together perfectly to form a complete circle, ensuring structural completeness while enabling the folding mechanism for improved portability.
3Volume of moving object
If the first base has a central angle greater than 180° to reduce storage space, then the folded flatness is improved, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking members, each associated with specific support rods. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to manage the complexity of the greater-than-180° first base configuration while maintaining organized, modular control over each structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to be movable, allowing them to engage and disengage from the support rods dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the locking mechanism to handle the complex geometry of the first base with a central angle greater than 180° while maintaining operational simplicity through motion rather than complex mechanical 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
The design reduces storage space, enhances structural stability during use, and facilitates convenient transportation by folding to a flat shape while maintaining stability and preventing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism configured for locking or unlocking the first base and the second base
Implementation Method 2
a second base rotatably connected to the first base
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable softbox chuck is disclosed, including: a first base in the form of an open ring structure with a notch, the central angle of which is greater than 180°; a second base rotatably connected to the first base; a locking mechanism configured for locking or unlocking the first base and the second base; wherein the first base and the second base have at least a folded state and an unfolded state; in the unfolded state, the first base and the second base are located in a same plane, and the second base forms a complete annular shape by complementing the notch; and in the folded state, the first base and the second base are stacked one on top of the other. It greatly reduces the space occupied, which is convenient for transportation and carrying. The stability of the softbox chuck is improved when unfolded and in use.