Moving Head Light Position Encoding with Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving head light fixtures face inaccuracies in position detection due to step motor losses and are prone to calibration issues with complex and expensive absolute encoding devices, which increase manufacturing costs and complicate serviceability.
Innovation Solution
A moving head light fixture with a position encoding system using magnetic means and encoders to detect the angular position of the yoke and head, allowing for reliable and cost-effective calibration without the need for multiple magnetic encoders, enabling accurate position determination and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to count rotation steps, then position detection accuracy is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to environmental disturbances like smoke and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors with magnetic sensors (Hall effect sensors or magnetic encoders) to detect the position of the yoke and head. Magnetic fields are not affected by smoke or dust in the air, thereby eliminating the harmful environmental factors that plague optical sensing systems while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical (light-based) to magnetic. By using magnetic fields instead of light to detect position, the system becomes immune to atmospheric conditions like smoke and dust that scatter or absorb light, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and environmental susceptibility.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic encoders are used for position detection, then position accuracy is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single magnetic encoder perform multiple functions by detecting both the yoke position and the head position through different sensing arrangements. The magnetic encoder system is designed to extract multiple position parameters from a unified sensing mechanism, thereby reducing the total number of encoders needed while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the position detection functions for both the yoke and head into a single magnetic encoder system. Rather than using separate encoders for each component, the magnetic field sensing approach allows one encoder to provide information about both positions through appropriate signal processing and geometric arrangement.
3Reliability
If absolute encoding devices are used, then position detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs and serviceability complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex absolute encoding devices with a simpler magnetic sensing system using Hall effect sensors or magnetic encoders. This substitution maintains reliability by providing continuous position information without the mechanical complexity and high cost of absolute encoders, while improving ease of manufacture and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective magnetic sensors (Hall effect sensors or magnetic encoders) instead of expensive absolute encoding devices. These simpler, cheaper components provide sufficient reliability for the application and are easier to manufacture with, replacing the need for costly absolute encoders.
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 system provides accurate and reliable position detection of the yoke and head, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying serviceability by using fewer magnetic encoders and allowing for faster calibration, while being less susceptible to environmental disturbances like smoke and dust.
Implementation Method 1
A moving head light fixture with a position encoding system using magnetic means and encoders to detect the angular position of the yoke and head
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a moving head light fixture comprising: a base; a yoke rotatable connected to the base; a head rotatable connected to the yoke. The head comprises at least one light source generating light. An actuator is adapted to rotate the yoke or the head. Magnetic means is attached to the axel of the actuator and generated a magnetic field, which is perpendicular to the actuator axel. A magnetic encoder is fixed in relation to the axel and provides at an axel position signal based the magnetic field is indicative of the angular position of the axel in relation to the magnetic encoder. Indication means provides an indication signal when the yoke or head is positioned at a number of predetermined angular positions in relation. Processing means are adapted to control the moving head light fixture based on the actuator axel position signal and the indication signal.