Pan Tilt Servomotor Electronic Brake Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stage lights locked for transport often require manual unlocking after assembly, which can be inconvenient and unsafe, especially when installed in hard-to-reach locations, as the lock status is not automatically checked or released.
Innovation Solution
An electronic brake system that can be remotely controlled or automatically actuated to lock and unlock the light's motion, using a latching mechanism and processor-controlled signals to ensure the light is only operational when unlocked, and a clutch to prevent damage from forced movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locks are used to lock the light for transport, then the light can be securely locked and transported, but the lock status is easily forgotten and manual unlocking is required which is inconvenient and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system automatically engages when power is interrupted or the light is turned off, and automatically disengages when power is restored or the light is turned on. The system serves itself by monitoring its own power state and automatically managing brake engagement without requiring external manual intervention, thus eliminating the need for operators to manually lock or unlock the light.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the power state of the light and provides feedback control to the brake system. When the light is turned on or power is restored, the control system detects this state change and automatically sends a signal to disengage the brake. When the light is turned off or power is interrupted, the control system detects this and automatically engages the brake, ensuring the light is always locked when off and unlocked when on.
2Reliability
If the light is locked for transport, then the light cannot be moved during transportation, but the lock may be forgotten and the light may move accidentally causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system automatically engages when power is interrupted or the light is turned off, ensuring the light is locked during transport without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors its own power state and automatically manages brake engagement, ensuring the light is always secured when not in use and automatically unlocked when powered on, preventing accidental movement while eliminating human error in lock management.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake is designed to automatically engage before any potential accidental movement can occur - specifically when power is interrupted or the light is turned off. This preliminary action of automatic brake engagement prevents the harmful effect of accidental movement during transport by ensuring the brake is always engaged when the light is not actively powered and controlled.
3Device complexity
If manual locking mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but remote control of lock status is not possible requiring personnel to climb truss for unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical locking mechanism with an electronically controlled brake system. The brake is actuated by an electric motor that receives control signals from a remote controller via DMX or other communication protocols. This substitution allows the lock status to be controlled remotely without requiring physical access to the light, while the overall structure remains relatively simple by using standard electronic control components rather than complex mechanical systems.
4Ease of operation
If electronic brake system is implemented, then remote control of lock status is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic brake system is integrated with the existing light control infrastructure, allowing the same DMX control protocol used for light operation to also control the brake status. The brake serves multiple functions: it locks the light during transport, unlocks automatically when the light is turned on, and can be controlled remotely through standard lighting control systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate control systems and utilizing existing universal control protocols.
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
Enables safe and convenient operation of stage lights by automatically checking and releasing the lock status, preventing accidental movement and damage, and allowing remote control and easy transportation while maintaining the locked position.
Implementation Method 1
The brake may be a safety style, electronically actuable brake, that automatically goes into braking mode whenever power is interrupted
Implementation Method 2
An embodiment describes an electronic brake on the light of a type that allows electrical deactuation
Data Source
AI summary
A moving light which has an electronic brake that automatically engages when power is released, to prevent movement of a moving head of a light whenever the power is released.