Merged Shutter Blade Light Beam Framing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing framing systems for shaping light beams are inflexible, prone to mechanical failures, and difficult to manufacture due to the complexity of toothed sides, which limits their ability to maintain a sharp image and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A framing system with shutter blades that can be moved by two actuators, allowing for flexible positioning and merging in a pile, with mechanical stops to prevent misalignment, and tensioning means to maintain blades in the same plane, reducing size and increasing flexibility while preventing mixing of blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If shutter blades are positioned in at least two different planes, then the framing system can be manufactured, but the system takes up a lot of space inside the light fixture and does not produce a sharp image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple shutter blades into a single plane configuration, combining their functions while eliminating the need for multiple planes. This reduces the volume occupied in the light fixture while maintaining the ability to produce sharp images, as all blades operate in the same plane rather than being distributed across multiple planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional multi-plane arrangement to a two-dimensional single-plane arrangement. By constraining all shutter blades to operate in one plane, the system reduces the spatial dimensionality required, thereby minimizing the volume inside the light fixture while preserving imaging quality.
2Volume of moving object
If shutter blades are formed in a merged pile with operating edges in the same plane, then the assembly becomes thin and space is reduced, but the toothed sides tend to break during use especially during longtime use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shutter blade structure by replacing the fragile toothed sides with a different mechanical configuration. Instead of relying on interlocking teeth that are prone to breaking, the system uses a segmented design where blades can be independently positioned and secured, reducing stress concentration points and improving durability during prolonged use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates mechanical stops and tensioning means that act as preventive measures before failure occurs. These components cushion and limit the movement of shutter blades, preventing excessive stress on the toothed sides before they can break, thereby extending the operational life of the merged pile assembly.
3Reliability
If shutter blades are moved in a very controlled manner with software or mechanical stops, then blade mixing is prevented, but the framing system's flexibility and degree of freedom are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mechanical stops and tensioning means as intermediary elements that mediate between the shutter blades and the actuation system. These intermediaries physically prevent blade mixing by limiting travel ranges, while still allowing full flexibility in positioning within the allowed range, thus maintaining framing versatility without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter blade system is designed to be self-correcting and self-limiting through its mechanical structure. The tensioning means automatically maintain proper blade positioning and the mechanical stops inherently prevent over-travel, eliminating the need for complex software control while preserving full degrees of freedom for legitimate framing operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a number of actuators are used to move shutter blades, then the light beam can be shaped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each actuator universal by designing it to control multiple shutter blades simultaneously. Instead of having dedicated actuators for each blade, the system uses multi-functional actuators that can position several blades through a single actuation mechanism, thereby reducing the total number of actuators while maintaining full light beam shaping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple actuators into fewer integrated actuation mechanisms. By combining the positioning functions for multiple blades into single actuators with coordinated movement capabilities, the system reduces component count and overall device complexity while preserving the ability to create various light beam shapes.
Data Source
AI summary
A framing system for shaping light beam comprises a frame support having a number of shutter blades surrounding said light beam, and a number of actuators that move said shutter blades in and out of said light beam. The shutter blades form a merged pile, where part of a first shutter blade is placed over a part of a second shutter blade. A first actuator rotates at least one of said shutter blades in relation to a first rotational point and a second actuator moves the first rotational point in relation to said light beam. A method of shaping a light beam is provided, and involves rotating a shutter blade around a first rotation point using a first actuator, and moving the first rotation point in relation to the light beam using a second actuator.