Seamless Hoist Mechanism for Backdrop Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Establishing and changing photographic backdrops in a photographic setting is often difficult and time-consuming, as existing solutions lack efficiency and versatility in presenting and managing backdrop options.

Innovation Solution

A hoist mechanism using two vertical channels with pulleys and a belt system, operated by a hand crank, allows for easy raising and lowering of a backdrop roller, with adjustable and removable components for versatile backdrop management, including the ability to mount multiple backdrops in parallel and extend the roller length for larger formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional backdrop mounting methods are used, then backdrops can be displayed, but changing and managing backdrops becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of backdrop changingVSAvoidtime for backdrop management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic backdrop management system where backdrops are mounted on rollers that can be easily rotated and exchanged. The hoist mechanism with hand crank allows the backdrop roller to be dynamically adjusted and changed without complex disassembly, enabling quick transitions between different backdrop configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The backdrop system is segmented into modular components: the backdrop material itself, the roller it is mounted on, the bracket holding the roller, and the hoist mechanism. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently manipulated, removed, or replaced, significantly reducing the time and difficulty of backdrop changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed backdrop system is used, then installation is simple, but versatility in presenting multiple backdrop options is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of backdrop presentationVSAvoidcomplexity of hoist mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hoist mechanism serves multiple functions: it holds the backdrop roller, enables easy rotation of the roller to change backdrops, provides height adjustment capability, and supports the exchange of different roller sizes. This multi-functionality achieves high versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single integrated mechanism performs all these tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a nested structure where the backdrop is rolled around a core, mounted on a roller, held by a bracket, and controlled by a hoist mechanism. Each component fits within or around the previous one, creating a compact yet versatile system that maintains adaptability while managing complexity through hierarchical organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If backdrop rollers are fixed size, then manufacturing is simple, but ability to accommodate different backdrop sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different backdrop sizesVSAvoidsimplicity of roller manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The roller system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The bracket allows for the exchange of rollers with different diameters and lengths, and the hand crank mechanism adapts to accommodate various roller sizes. This dynamic design enables the system to handle different backdrop formats while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized mounting interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution significantly simplifies the process of changing and managing backdrops, reducing time and effort while enabling efficient selection and presentation of various backdrop options, accommodating different sizes and configurations.

Implementation Method 1

two vertical channels, each having and upper and a lower pull around which a belt is attached

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

A hand crank, secured to the connecting rod, permits the operator to move the two brackets up/down which moves the roller having the backdrop in like fashion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11415865B2Seamless hoist

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 SAVAGE PAPER SPECIALTIES LLC

AI summary

The invention provides a hoist mechanism for a backdrop as used in the photographic setting. The hoist uses two vertical channels, each having and upper and a lower pull around which a belt is attached. A bracket, secured to the belt, is used to secure a roller of the backdrop thereto. A connecting rod, secured to the lower pullies of the vertical channels, is used to keep the two belts operating in concert. A hand crank, secured to the connecting rod, permits the operator to move the two brackets up/down which moves the a roller having the backdrop in like fashion.