Gobo Structural Network for Fragility and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gobo manufacturing methods are limited by material constraints, fragility, and inefficiencies, leading to issues such as breaking, cracking, overheating, and the need for specialized cooling, which restricts the use of materials and complicates the production of intricate designs.
Innovation Solution
A gobo with integral structural features, including peripheral edges and monolithic structural networks that extend to the edges of optical patterns, providing structural strength, reflectivity, and improved cooling, allowing for the use of various materials like metal, plastic, and glass, and enabling more precise and durable projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If glass gobos are used to eliminate bridging and achieve intricate images, then image fidelity is improved, but fragility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a translucent substrate (glass, plastic, or resin) with an integrated structural network (ridges, ribs, or trusses) made from the same or different material. This composite structure provides both the optical transparency needed for image projection and the mechanical strength to eliminate bridging while reducing fragility compared to pure glass gobos.
2Reliability
If plastic gobos are used to avoid fragility, then reliability is improved, but they require specialized cooling elements to prevent melting, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function with the cooling function by integrating cooling channels or heat dissipation features directly into the structural network of the gobo. This eliminates the need for separate cooling apparatus while providing both mechanical strength and thermal management for plastic gobos.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support to eliminate bridging, enables cooling channels for thermal management, and maintains the optical transparency needed for image projection. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
3Strength
If metal gobos are used for sturdiness, then strength is improved, but bridging modifications are required, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function with the optical function by integrating the structural network directly into the light-transmitting substrate. This eliminates the need for separate bridging modifications while maintaining both strength and optical performance in a single manufacturing process.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard gobos are used for simple patterns, then ease of manufacture is improved, but they cannot produce intricate designs, limiting adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gobo structure into a structural network and an optical pattern layer, allowing independent optimization of each. The structural network provides support while the optical pattern can be customized for intricate designs through techniques like laser ablation or photo etching, combining manufacturing efficiency with design versatility.
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 gobo with integral structural features offers enhanced structural integrity, thermal management, and the ability to project high-quality images with crisp edges, while allowing for a broader range of materials and designs, reducing the risk of damage and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A gobo with integral structural features, including peripheral edges and monolithic structural networks that extend to the edges of optical patterns, providing structural strength, reflectivity, and improved cooling
Implementation Method 2
A gobo with integral structural features, including peripheral edges and monolithic structural networks that extend to the edges of optical patterns, providing structural strength, reflectivity, and improved cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A gobo with a substrate having at least one peripheral edge a body extending from the peripheral edge, the body having two faces and a structural network on at least one of the two faces, the structural network generally extending to the peripheral edge. An optical pattern is disposed on or through the body, with the structural network extending on the body only to an edge of the optical pattern. The structural network is integral with the substrate.