Attachable Light Source With Passive Visibility for Mobility Aids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility devices and light sources do not adequately assist individuals with impaired mobility or vision, particularly those with conditions like dementia or arthritis, in navigating obstacles and locating the light source in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
An attachable light source device with both reflective, glow-in-the-dark material and an activatable light source, which can be rotated and adjusted for direction, is designed to be removably attached to various items, including mobility devices and furniture, with features like motion sensors and touch-sensitive activation for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mobility device is equipped with a light source, then visibility is improved, but the device becomes harder to locate in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating reflective materials and glow-in-the-dark elements that change their light interaction properties. The reflective material bounces ambient light back to the user, while the glow-in-the-dark material emits light when exposed to prior light exposure, making the device visible in dark environments without requiring active illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing passive visibility elements (reflective and glow-in-the-dark materials) that mediate between the active light source and the user's ability to locate the device. These materials act as intermediaries that enhance visibility without requiring the user to actively search for or operate the light source.
2Extent of automation
If a light source is made activatable, then control is improved, but operation becomes more difficult for users with impaired mobility or vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic activation mechanisms that detect user presence or motion and activate the light source without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by sensing environmental conditions or user movement and autonomously initiating illumination, eliminating the need for users with impaired mobility or vision to manually activate the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where sensors detect user presence, motion, or environmental conditions and automatically trigger the light source activation. This closed-loop system provides feedback about the user's state or environment and responds accordingly, making the activation process intuitive and accessible to users with impairments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is made rotatable and adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating rotatable and adjustable components that allow the light source to change its orientation and direction. These dynamic elements enable the light to be aimed at different locations or angles, providing adaptability for various lighting needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 device provides enhanced visibility and navigation assistance by ensuring the light source is automatically visible in the dark and can be easily activated, aiding users with impaired mobility or vision in navigating environments safely.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include a reflective, glow in the dark material to make the device automatically visible in the dark
Implementation Method 2
The device may include a reflective, glow in the dark material to make the device automatically visible in the dark
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a light source device with a body and an activatable light source. The light source comprises a first light emission in an active power mode and no light emission in an off power mode. A button on the light source device may toggle between the active power mode and the off power mode. The light source device comprises a first charging port and an attachment device to removably couple the light source device to a mobility device. The system comprises a docking station removably couplable to a top surface to receive the light source device in a docking mode. The docking station comprises a second charging port to couple to the first charging port in the docking mode. The docking station comprises a support post extending laterally outward beyond a side of the surface to support the light source device in the docking mode.