Spring-Biased Filter for Moving Head Light Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Moving head light fixtures are vulnerable to damage from direct sunlight or intense light rays magnified through their lenses, as current solutions either require manual intervention or are not automatically engaged when the fixture is powered off or pointed upwards.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism where a filter or diffuser is normally biased to extend into the optical path between the lens and the light source when the fixture is powered off or pointed upwards, using a motor to retract it when in use, ensuring protection without increasing the fixture's weight or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter is normally-biased into the optical path when powered off to protect the optical system, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for a motorized retraction mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is positioned in advance into the optical path during power-off state to prevent damage before it can occur. The spring mechanism pre-positions the filter as a protective barrier, so when power is restored, the filter is already in place and only needs to be retracted if light output is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the filter retracted by default and extending only when needed (the conventional approach), this invention inverts the logic by having the filter extended by default and retracting only when light output is required. This inversion prioritizes protection reliability over continuous accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a motor is used to retract the filter when the fixture is powered on, then ease of operation is improved, but weight of the fixture increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidweight of the fixture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces a potentially complex multi-motor system with a simpler spring-loaded mechanical system. The spring provides the retraction force automatically when power is applied, eliminating the need for continuous motor engagement and reducing overall system weight while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism is self-activating when power is applied to the fixture, automatically retracting the filter without requiring additional motor control or external intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces the burden on the motor system and lowers overall fixture weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the filter remains in its last physical position when powered off, then device complexity is reduced, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to potential exposure to sunlight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsunlight exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is pre-configured to automatically push the filter into the optical path when power is removed, creating a preliminary protective action against sunlight exposure. This anti-action occurs automatically without requiring the filter to remember its last position, preventing harmful sunlight exposure while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Effectively protects the optical system and light source from damage by automatically engaging the filter or diffuser when the fixture is not in use, preventing internal damage from strong light sources without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a spring or other bias mechanism configured to bias the filter into the optical path between the lens and the light source when the light fixture is powered off

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a motor configured to retract the filter from between the lens and the other components of the optical system when the light fixture is powered and when light output from the light fixture is required

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotor actuation: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 3

the front lens 20 can focus and concentrate light from the sun 30, in the same way as a magnifying glass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10508792B1Apparatus and method for protecting the optical system of a light fixture

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 CHAUVET & SONS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for covering the optical system of a moving head light fixture with a filter or diffuser when the lighting fixture is turned off is provided. The filter or diffuser is positioned in the optical path between a lighting element and a lens. A retraction device is energized to retract the filter or diffuser from the optical path during normal operation. Upon removal of power to the fixture, the filter mechanism automatically returns the filter or diffuser to its position in the optical path. In this way, the optical system of the fixture can be protected from damage caused by impinging strong light and/or sunlight when the fixture is not in use.