Collapsible Solar Lighting with Inflatable Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting solutions for alternative power scenarios, such as natural disasters or remote locations, are often short-lived, unreliable, inefficient, non-reusable, and expensive, lacking in portability and rechargeability.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible solar-powered lighting device with an inflatable housing, integrated solar panels, LEDs, a rechargeable battery, and a microprocessor that allows for multiple operating modes, including color changes and automatic transitions, powered by solar energy and featuring a button for user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar panels and rechargeable batteries are integrated into the housing, then reliability and duration of action are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar panels, rechargeable batteries, LEDs, and control electronics into an integrated housing structure. The solar panels are mounted on the housing surface, the battery is enclosed within the housing, and all components are electrically connected through integrated circuitry, creating a unified portable lighting system that resolves the contradiction by merging multiple functions into a single reliable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the battery, mounts the solar panels, and contains the control electronics. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to achieve high reliability through integrated components while managing complexity by having the housing perform several roles simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LEDs with color-changing capabilities are integrated, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple LEDs capable of emitting different colors (red, green, blue, yellow) and uses a microprocessor to control their individual operation. This allows the device to produce various colors and lighting effects by selectively activating specific LEDs or combining their outputs, achieving high adaptability while managing complexity through digital control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system provides dynamic functionality through programmable color sequences, transitions, and patterns controlled by the microprocessor. The LEDs can change colors dynamically based on user input or pre-programmed sequences, enhancing versatility while the modular control architecture manages the complexity of coordinating multiple color-changing elements.
3Weight of moving object
If an inflatable bladder structure is used, then portability and ease of storage are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable bladder made from flexible materials to form the housing structure. When deflated, the device can be compressed to a small size for easy portability and storage. The bladder is manufactured with sufficient precision to maintain structural integrity during inflation while remaining lightweight, resolving the contradiction between portability and manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions between inflated and deflated states, dynamically changing its volume and portability characteristics. This dynamic structure allows the device to be compact for transport but expanded for use, achieving high portability while the manufacturing precision requirements are managed through standardized bladder production techniques.
4Ease of operation
If integrated circuits and microprocessors are added for control, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-controlled system provides automated functions including color sequence programming, automatic transitions between lighting modes, and user interface management. The device serves itself by automatically coordinating the operation of multiple LEDs, managing battery power, and controlling color changes without requiring complex manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while the integrated control manages internal complexity.
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
Provides reliable, efficient, and portable lighting with multiple functionality options, addressing the limitations of existing solutions by offering long-lasting, rechargeable, and cost-effective illumination.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solar panel integrated into an outside surface of at least one of the first wall and the second wall... the rechargeable battery being electrically connected between the at least one solar panel and the plurality of LEDs, such that the rechargeable battery is configured to supply current to the plurality of LEDs and be recharged by the at least one solar panel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) integrated into an inside surface of the electronics wall of the housing, the plurality of LEDs forming a generally annular arrangement and facing an interior of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Solar-powered lighting devices that may be portable and/or collapsible are described. The devices may include a housing including a first wall, a second wall, and one or more side walls between the first wall and the second wall, at least one solar panel to generate solar energy, and a rechargeable battery to store the solar energy generated. The devices may include a plurality of operating modes for controlling lights within the housing, and a microprocessor for controlling the operating modes.