Receiver Speed Ring for Universal Light Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speed rings are limited to a single light source type, are not universally compatible, and are bulky, restricting lighting techniques and storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A receiver speed ring with a cylindrical hollow tube featuring outwardly protruding tabs and holes instead of a flared flange, allowing for quick and safe mounting to both Balcar-type and Bowens-type light sources without obstructing the flash tube, facilitating easy interchange between different light mounting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional speed ring with flared flange is used, then mounting to light sources is possible, but the design is bulky and obscures the flash tube
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flared flange portion from the speed ring design, extracting the unnecessary bulk while retaining the functional mounting elements (holes, slots, tabs) that enable attachment to light sources. This extraction eliminates the obstruction of the flash tube while maintaining mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional flared flange design that protrudes outward, the patent inverts the approach by using a cylindrical tube with mounting features integrated into the tube wall itself. The mounting holes, slots, and tabs are positioned to engage with light sources without requiring a flared structure, thereby inverting the conventional design paradigm.
2Reliability
If a speed ring is designed for a specific light source type, then secure mounting is achieved, but compatibility with other light source types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal speed ring design where the cylindrical tube with integrated holes, slots, and tabs can accommodate multiple light source types (Balcar-type and Bowens-type). The same basic structure serves multiple functions by engaging with different mounting systems, eliminating the need for separate speed rings for different light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable or reconfigurable mounting elements that can adapt to different light source configurations. The holes, slots, and tabs can be positioned or configured to match different light source types, allowing the speed ring to dynamically adapt to various mounting requirements while maintaining secure attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple speed rings are kept for different light source types, then compatibility is ensured, but storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single universal speed ring that can function with multiple light source types, eliminating the need to maintain multiple separate speed rings in storage. One versatile unit replaces several specialized units, reducing storage space while maintaining full compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple light source-compatible speed rings into a single integrated design. By combining the mounting capabilities for different light source types into one unified structure, the patent reduces the total number of components needed and thereby reduces storage space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver speed ring configured to facilitate a safe way of mounting an associated light modifier to both a Balcar-type light source and a Bowens-type light source via a tube with outwardly protruding tabs as well as holes and slots that are punched into the tube, instead of the flared flange, which allows for a quick change between different light mounting systems (e.g., Balcar-type, Bowens-type) without obscuring or impeding a flash tube. The receiver speed ring includes a cylindrical hollow tube having a constant diameter and provided with a circumferential outer surface having a centrally registered longitudinal axis. The speed ring also includes a non-flared outer edge, a plurality of juxtaposed holes, a plurality of juxtaposed slots, and a plurality of juxtaposed outwardly protruding tabs are provided.