Multi-Interface Mounting Plate for Photographic Light Sources
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speedrings limit lighting techniques as they can only couple with one light source, are not universally compatible due to size differences, and are bulky, occupying significant storage space.
Innovation Solution
A mounting plate with multiple interfaces for various light sources, including cold shoe mounts, umbrella mounts, stand mounts, and extension shafts, allowing for the secure attachment and flexible arrangement of multiple light sources, such as speedlights, umbrellas, and Soft boxes, and enabling various lighting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a speedring is used to attach a light source, then the light source can be securely mounted, but only one light source can be attached at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a base plate with multiple mounting locations, individual adapters for different light source types, and interchangeable mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows multiple light sources to be attached simultaneously to different segments of the base plate, resolving the limitation of single-light-source attachment while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of light sources (speedlights, umbrellas, soft boxes) through standardized interfaces and adapters. This multi-functionality allows a single mounting system to attach various light sources simultaneously, improving versatility without requiring multiple specialized mounting devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If different manufacturers' speedrings are used, then compatibility with various light sources is achieved, but size differences prevent universal coupling
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized adapters serve as intermediary components between the universal base plate and different light source types from various manufacturers. These adapters translate between different mounting interface standards, allowing compatibility with diverse light sources while maintaining uniform coupling mechanisms on the base plate, thus achieving both compatibility and ease of operation
3Reliability
If traditional speedring and light source combinations are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but significant storage space is required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mounting functions that were previously distributed across separate speedrings and accessories are merged into a single integrated base plate with multiple mounting locations. This consolidation maintains secure mounting capabilities for multiple light sources simultaneously while reducing the total volume of equipment needed, as the combined unit replaces multiple separate mounting devices that would require individual storage space
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a mounting plate having a plurality of exterior edges. Each edge of the mounting plate has a mounting interface. Between each of the exterior edges is a flattened corner. Each of the planar corners has a pole mount disposed therein. The mounting plate also has a plurality of interior projections, each of the plurality of interior projections being disposed on an inner side of each of the planar corners. At least one of the plurality of interior projections has a stand mount disposed therein and at least a second one of the plurality of interior projections has an umbrella mount disposed therein.