Softbox Light-Altering Element Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in quickly and securely coupling light-altering elements, such as diffusers and gels, to softboxes due to alignment issues with standalone hook-and-loop fasteners and elastic fabric attachments, which can lead to insecure connections and negatively impact photography or filmmaking.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating zippers and magnets as attachment elements around the edges of light-altering elements and softboxes, with integrated housings and coupling elements within the softbox body to facilitate easy and accurate alignment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hook-and-loop fasteners are used to attach light-altering elements to softboxes, then the connection can be made without special tools, but alignment is difficult and the connection may be insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment mechanism (such as a bayonet-style connector or interlocking clips) that mediates between the light-altering element and the softbox. This intermediary provides alignment guides and secure engagement features, resolving the contradiction between easy attachment and secure connection by adding a specialized coupling component rather than using simple hook-and-loop fasteners alone.
2Area of stationary object
If elastic fabric is stretched over the light directing end, then coverage can be achieved, but alignment is troublesome and requires special attention to geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible fabric or thin film materials that can be stretched and conform to the geometric shape of the softbox's light directing end. This flexible covering provides full area coverage while the material's elasticity allows it to adapt to various geometries without requiring precise alignment during installation, as the fabric naturally conforms to the underlying structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standalone attachment methods are used, then the light-altering element can be removed and replaced, but the attachment process is slow and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-aligned attachment features (such as pre-attached rails, guides, or positioning markers) on the softbox structure. These preliminary alignment elements guide the light-altering element into correct position during attachment, enabling quick and precise installation while maintaining the ability to remove and replace the element. The preliminary alignment features eliminate the need for manual alignment adjustments during the attachment process.
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 allows for quick and secure coupling of light-altering elements to softboxes, reducing alignment challenges and ensuring a robust connection, thereby improving the quality of photo and video production.
Implementation Method 1
In an aspect, the coupling elements include one or more magnets
Implementation Method 2
In an example, the attachment element is a zipper
Data Source
AI summary
A softbox having a body with an integrated light-altering element. The light-altering element may have a body and an edge, where at least a portion of the edge of the light altering element is non-removably coupled to at least a portion of softbox body proximate to the softbox edge. The other portions of the edge may have attachment elements that couple to other portions of the distal edge of the softbox. Another light-altering element, such as a grid, may couple to the softbox by coupling to a cuff of the body of the softbox.