Collapsible Solar Lamp with Foldable Diffuser for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar-charged lighting solutions are expensive, difficult to transport, and require costly components, making them unsuitable for large-scale deployment in remote or disaster-stricken areas, while acid cell or fuel-powered alternatives have recurring costs and resource limitations.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and portable solar-powered lamp assembly with a foldable diffuser and rechargeable battery that can be charged via solar panels or wall outlets, featuring a USB-C port for device charging, designed for easy transportation and deployment in compact form, expanding into a cube shape for increased illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solar-charged lighting solutions are used, then lighting function is provided, but cost and transport difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate functional modules: solar panel, battery, light emitting devices, and diffuser. These modules can be independently manufactured, assembled, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity and transport difficulty while maintaining reliable lighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser is designed to be expandable and collapsible, transitioning between a compact flat state for easy transport and an expanded three-dimensional state for effective light diffusion during operation. This dynamic structure directly addresses the transport difficulty while preserving the lighting function.
2Use of energy by moving object
If renewable lighting solutions with large components are used, then sustainable energy is provided, but shipping cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser utilizes a two-dimensional flat configuration during transport that transforms into a three-dimensional expanded structure during operation. This dimensional transformation allows the sustainable lighting components to occupy minimal shipping volume while maintaining full functional capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser is constructed from flexible thin film materials that can be folded and compressed into a compact form for shipping, yet expand to provide sufficient surface area for effective light diffusion when the lighting system is activated, reducing shipping volume without compromising sustainable energy function.
3Weight of moving object
If acid cell battery or fuel-powered lighting is used, then portable power is provided, but recurring cost and resource limitation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system incorporates a solar panel that automatically recharges the battery using sunlight, eliminating the need for external fuel or grid power. This self-servicing mechanism reduces recurring costs and resource consumption while maintaining portability, as the system sustains itself without additional resource input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from consumable energy sources (fuel, grid power) to renewable solar energy by changing the energy input parameter. The solar panel converts sunlight directly into electrical energy for battery recharging, eliminating resource depletion and recurring costs while preserving the portable design.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable lighting and charging solution that reduces energy costs by harnessing solar energy, is easy to transport, and can be used in various settings, including emergencies and outdoor activities, while being waterproof and disease-resistant.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic panel configured to convert light into electricity
Implementation Method 2
a battery configured to receive electricity from the photovoltaic panel and to store the electricity
Implementation Method 3
at least one light emitting device configured to receive electricity from the battery and to emit light
Implementation Method 4
a diffuser surrounding the at least one light emitting device, wherein the diffuser diffuses light emitted by the at least one light emitting device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided comprising a photovoltaic panel configured to convert light into electricity, a battery configured to receive electricity from the photovoltaic panel and to store the electricity, a charging port configured to receive stored electricity from the battery and provide the stored electricity, at least one light emitting device configured to receive electricity from the battery and to emit light, a button configured to actuate the at least one light emitting device, and a diffuser surrounding the at least one light emitting device, wherein the diffuser diffuses light emitted by the at least one light emitting device, and wherein the diffuser has a first collapsed configuration and a second expanded configuration. Also provided is a method of distributing light from a light producing device, and an assembly comprising the apparatus and a bag that includes a pocket configured to receive the apparatus.