Magnetic Quick-Change Gobo Changer Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary gobo systems in lighting equipment are cumbersome and costly to manufacture, requiring complex designs and special tools for gobo changes, especially in limited working spaces.
Innovation Solution
A carrier disc with interchangeable segments attached via central holding means, including flexible fingers and magnetic attraction, allows for easy registration and attachment of segments without the need for tools, using a system of screws and apertures for precise positioning and a simple, cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complete segments with special bearings and grooves are exchanged to change gobos, then the gobo changing function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier disc is divided into multiple independent segments, each capable of holding a single gobo. This segmentation allows individual gobos to be changed without replacing entire segments, simplifying the replacement process and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to systems where complete segments must be exchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of gobo holding from complex segment assemblies with special bearings and grooves, creating a simplified segment design that uses basic mechanical attachment. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core functionality of gobo changeability.
2Manufacturing precision
If special tools are required for gobo changes in limited working spaces, then precise gobo attachment is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segment design enables self-service gobo changes without requiring external tools. The simplified attachment mechanism allows operators to directly manipulate and replace segments within the limited working space of the luminaire, eliminating the need for specialized tools while maintaining positioning precision through the inherent geometry of the segments and carrier disc.
3Ease of manufacture
If flexible fingers in fan-shaped arrangement are used for attachment, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the holding force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The central holding means employs flexible fingers made of elastomeric or polymeric materials that can be molded into a fan-shaped arrangement. These flexible fingers provide sufficient holding force through elastic deformation and friction, while being easy to manufacture using standard molding techniques. The flexibility allows the fingers to conform to the segment geometry and maintain secure attachment.
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
Facilitates quick and tool-free gobo changes, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining precise positioning and efficient rotation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The fingers may be at their inside ends integrated into one unit. The number of fingers within the unit corresponds to a number of segments to be supported by the carrier disc.
Implementation Method 2
A carrier disc with interchangeable segments attached via central holding means, including flexible fingers and magnetic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
For lighting equipment for illumination of theatre and show stages and platforms there is designed an equipment for change of rotary gobos comprising a carrier disc supporting interchangeable segments with the gobos. The individual segments (2) are attached at the carrier disc (1) by central holding means, each segment (2) being provided with means for setting the segment (2) on the carrier disc (1). Each segment (2) is provided with a lamella (3) for attachment by the magnetic holding means. The magnetic holding means comprise a magnet (24) in attracted to a ferrous plate (23) attached to the carrier disc (1).