Twist-Lock Plug Geometry for Positive Locking in Legacy Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing followspots require an adjacent operator for beam direction adjustments, limiting practical placement and increasing size and cost due to the need for powerful light sources and directional optical systems, especially at long distances, and remote control solutions have struggled with maintaining fine angular control and intensity.

Innovation Solution

The use of a first fixed mirror with a second motorized mirror for beam azimuth and elevation adjustments, supported by a gantry or turret, allows for precise control of the beam direction without moving the heavy followspot housing, and a compact design for easier transport and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a heavy followspot housing with powerful light sources and directional optical systems is used, then beam intensity and directional control are improved, but the fixture becomes difficult to transport and position flexibly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam intensityVSAvoidfixture weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the followspot system into separate components: a stationary housing containing the heavy light source and optical system, and a separate lightweight mirror assembly that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the heavy Intensity-generating components to remain fixed while the lightweight mirror provides flexible directional control, resolving the contradiction between beam intensity and transportability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If an adjacent operator is required for beam direction adjustments, then fine angular control is achieved, but practical placement is limited and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular control precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-adjusting mirror assembly that automatically maintains precise beam direction through its mechanical design. The mirror assembly includes features that enable it to self-correct and maintain alignment without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby achieving both precise angular control and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual operator-controlled mechanical adjustment system with an automated mechanical system. The mirror assembly uses mechanical features such as tension members, idler pulleys, and guide surfaces to automatically maintain precise angular positioning, eliminating the need for an adjacent operator while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote control solutions are used, then operational flexibility is improved, but maintaining fine angular control and high light intensity becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidangular control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a lightweight mirror assembly as an intermediary between the stationary light source and the target. This mirror acts as a mediator that can be remotely positioned and adjusted to change beam direction while maintaining precise angular control. The mirror assembly includes mechanical features that preserve measurement precision even when remotely controlled, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the use of high-powered followspots with precise directional control at longer distances, reducing the need for manual operation and allowing for more flexible fixture placement while maintaining high light intensity and narrow beam capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The use of a first fixed mirror with a second motorized mirror for beam azimuth and elevation adjustments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second motorized mirror for beam azimuth and elevation adjustments, supported by a gantry or turret, allows for precise control of the beam direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11761610B2Twist-lock plug improved to positively lock with prior art receptacles

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 CALLAHAN MICHAEL

AI summary

Improvements are disclosed to known twist-lock electrical connectors, whose plug blades form parallel segments of a common cylindrical form. After insertion in a compatible receptacle, rotating the connectors relative to each other engages features intended to prevent accidental separation, but which do not positively lock. An improved plug is disclosed providing positive locking and with prior art receptacles.