Soft Box Support Ring Structure for Low-Force Pin Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of large soft boxes on light sources requires significant manual effort due to the need to manually bend and angle support pins to fit into a speed ring, which can be cumbersome and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A support ring with attachment means, including cavities with first and second support elements to counteract torque and an entry element on the radial outside to counteract the force required to bend support pins, making it easier to insert them into the ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If support pins are manually bent and angled to fit into the speed ring, then the soft box can be mounted on the light source, but significant manual effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is divided into functional segments: cavities for receiving support pins, support elements within cavities for counteracting torque, and entry elements on the radial outside for counteracting bending forces. This segmentation allows each element to address a specific aspect of the mounting process, reducing overall manual effort
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements and entry elements act as intermediaries between the support pins and the speed ring structure. These elements provide counteracting forces that facilitate the insertion of support pins without requiring significant manual bending effort
2Ease of operation
If prior art solutions with articulated sleeves are used, then metal ribs are easier to turn up, but the solution becomes expensive and complicated to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated speed ring structure: the cavity formation, support elements for torque counteraction, and entry elements for force counteraction are all combined in one piece. This eliminates the need for separate articulated sleeves while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The speed ring is designed as a universal mounting structure that handles both the torque from inserted support pins and the bending forces during insertion through its integrated support and entry elements, eliminating the need for complex articulated sleeves
Data Source
AI summary
A support ring is for mounting of a soft box on a light source. The support ring includes a connector for attachment of the support ring to the light source, and at least one cavity configured to receive support pins of the soft box. The cavity further includes a first and a second support element arranged to counteract a torque from the support pins, when the support pins are in an inserted position in the cavity. At least one entry element on a radial outside of the cavity is arranged to counteract a force required to bend the support pin to an angle where the support pin can be inserted into the cavity.