Softbox Speedring Modular Adaptor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing softbox speedrings have complex structures that increase manufacturing costs and difficulty in assembly and repair, making them challenging to use, especially when assembling in non-flat shapes like spherical or curved forms, which also leads to light interference and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A softbox speedring with a simplified structure featuring adaptor inserting holes and rotational shaft seating grooves, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and a locking mechanism to prevent light leakage, enabling quick folding and spreading without requiring excessive force, and allowing for self-repair by replacing broken parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a complex structure with ribs and support components is used in the softbox speedring, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and repairability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The speedring is divided into modular components including multiple adaptors that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each adaptor contains integrated support functions, eliminating the need for separate rib structures. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and easy replacement of individual components without affecting the overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor design merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, enables rotational movement, and facilitates assembly/disassembly. By combining what were previously separate elements (ribs, support components, and connection mechanisms) into the adaptor unit, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining necessary structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex structure with multiple components is used in the softbox speedring, then structural stability is improved, but ease of manufacture and repairability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The speedring system is segmented into standardized adaptors that can be manufactured independently using identical or similar processes. This segmentation allows for mass production of individual adaptor units, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs compared to producing complex integrated structures with multiple unique components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptors are designed with universal features that allow them to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling rotation, and facilitating assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of different component types needed, simplifying manufacturing processes and inventory management while maintaining structural stability.
3Ease of operation
If adaptors are designed to rotate freely at 360 degrees, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor rotation mechanism is designed to be dynamic, allowing free 360-degree movement during operation for ease of positioning. The rotational capability is maintained without mechanical stops or restrictions, enabling operators to quickly adjust the speedring orientation. Position control is achieved through the operator's manual adjustment rather than mechanical constraints, preserving both ease of operation and sufficient positioning precision for photographic applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
A softbox speedring is provided to reduce the manufacturing costs through a simple structure, to be simply repaired, and allow the rapid folding and spreading of a pole shaft. A softbox speedring having a fitting assembly structure includes a speedring body including a central hole formed at a center of the speedring body, a plurality of adaptor inserting holes formed along an outer circumferential surface of the speedring body, and rotational shaft seating grooves formed in first perpendicular surface and second perpendicular surface of each adaptor inserting hole, and an adaptor including a head part including rotational shafts protruding from opposite perpendicular surfaces of the head part to be fitted into and assembled with the rotational shaft seating grooves, and a body part provided at a lower portion of the head part and including a pole inserting part formed in a lower end of the body part. The simple structure allows anyone of all ages to assemble the softbox speedring, and reduces the manufacturing costs, so the folding and the storage of the softbox are simple, thereby remarkably improving the carrying and the storage of the softbox.