Swinging Illumination Device with Movable Diffuser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices for image pickup apparatuses lack a flexible and efficient mechanism for adjusting light emission direction and diffuser positioning, which limits their adaptability and effectiveness in various photography scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The illumination device system includes a swing portion with a light emitting portion, a cable for power supply, and a diffuser that is turnable around a turning axis, with locking mechanisms to secure the diffuser at advanced or withdrawn positions, allowing for adjustable light direction and diffuser presence/absence, and is attachable/detachable to an image pickup apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the diffuser is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for different photography scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of rotating around a turning axis to switch between advanced position (in front of light emitting portion) and withdrawn position (behind light emitting portion). This dynamic positioning allows the same device to adapt to different photography scenarios such as macro photography requiring diffused light and general photography requiring direct light, thereby improving versatility without significantly complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser mechanism serves multiple functions: it can be positioned in front of the light emitting portion to diffuse light for soft lighting effects, positioned behind to allow direct light emission, and the locking mechanisms ensure stable positioning in both states. This multi-functional design enables a single device to handle various photography needs including portrait, product, and macro photography
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diffuser can move between advanced and withdrawn positions, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the cable when the diffuser is in the withdrawn position, and the first locking portion automatically engages with the illumination device support base when the diffuser is in the advanced position. This self-locking design eliminates the need for additional manual locking operations or complex control systems, achieving reliable position fixation while keeping the mechanism relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The cable serves as an intermediary element that connects to the second locking portion of the diffuser. By using the existing cable as part of the locking mechanism, the patent avoids adding separate complex locking components. The cable's tension and positioning naturally contribute to securing the diffuser in the withdrawn position through the second locking portion
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light emitting portion can swing, then the lighting direction flexibility is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The swing portion enables the light emitting portion to rotate around a turning axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of light direction to illuminate different angles and positions. This dynamic capability is complemented by the locking mechanisms that provide static stability when positioning is required, achieving a balance between flexibility and structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device system includes: an illumination device including an engaging portion configured to engage with an illumination device support base, a main body portion, a light emitting portion configured to swing around a turning axis in relation to the main body portion, and a cable extending from the main body portion; and a diffuser, and the diffuser swings around the turning axis between an advanced position positioned in front of the light emitting portion and a withdrawn position withdrawn from the front of the light emitting portion, and includes a first locking portion configured to engage with the illumination device support base and holds the diffuser at the advanced position, and a second locking portion configured to engage with the cable and holds the diffuser at the withdrawn position.