Compact Lighting System with Solar Recharge and IR Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective portable lighting system that can be reused and selectively turned on/off to conserve battery power, especially for applications in dim or dark environments, and to provide visible indicators for infrared and ultraviolet light sources to prevent unnecessary battery drain.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting system with a removable mounting mechanism, hermetically sealed in a clear pouch, featuring a rechargeable solar-powered battery, light-actuated on/off switch, and visible indicators for infrared and ultraviolet light sources, allowing for easy operation and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If infrared light source is used for tactical applications, then detection capability in dark environments is improved, but visibility of operating state to unaided eye deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A visible light LED is introduced as an intermediary indicator that mirrors the operating state of the infrared LED. When the infrared LED is on, the visible LED also illuminates, providing a visual cue to users without requiring IR viewing equipment. This mediator bridge the information gap between the invisible IR operation and user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different colored LEDs to indicate various operating states. The visible LED changes its illumination state (on/off) to correspond with the infrared LED's operating state, creating a color/visibility code that users can interpret to determine whether the IR light is active, providing intuitive visual feedback.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If infrared light is left on continuously, then detection capability is maintained, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light indicator provides continuous feedback to the user about the infrared LED's operating state. This feedback mechanism enables users to monitor power consumption and intentionally activate or deactivate the IR light based on situational requirements, optimizing battery life while maintaining detection capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic activation of the infrared LED through manual switching, allowing it to operate only during necessary periods rather than continuously. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining detection capability during active use periods.
3Loss of information
If visible light indicator is added to show IR light status, then user awareness of operating state is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light indicator is merged with the existing infrared LED circuitry, sharing the same switch and power source. Both LEDs are controlled by the same circuit, eliminating the need for separate control circuits and reducing overall device complexity despite adding visual feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible LED acts as a copy or replica of the infrared LED's operating state. Instead of adding complex sensing and processing electronics, the patent uses a simple visual copy that directly mirrors the IR LED's on/off state, providing user awareness with minimal additional complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If compact size is achieved, then portability is improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the main compact housing by incorporating a separate heat sink component that extends outward. This allows the main body to remain compact while providing adequate surface area for heat dissipation through the extended heat sink structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink extends in a dimension perpendicular to the main compact body, utilizing vertical space to provide heat dissipation surface area without increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach maintains compact portability while addressing thermal management requirements.
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 system provides extended battery life, easy operation in various environments, and visible indicators for infrared and ultraviolet light sources, ensuring efficient use and preventing unnecessary battery drain, making it suitable for diverse applications including military, law enforcement, and safety purposes.
Implementation Method 1
The compact lighting system can be hermetically sealed in a clear or translucent pouch or covered with a waterproof coating for protection against vibration, shock, harsh environments and moisture
Implementation Method 2
featuring a rechargeable power source, solar charging
Implementation Method 3
a light-actuated on/off switch, along with visible, tactile, or audible indicators to determine the operating state of infrared lights
Implementation Method 4
Because infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light is not visible to the unaided eye
Data Source
AI summary
A compact lighting assembly includes a circuit board having a battery, a light, a switching circuit and a push button switch selectively powering the light with the battery via the switching circuit. The operating life of the compact lighting assembly is increased by using a rechargeable battery charged by a photovoltaic device such as a solar cell. Even greater operating life is achieved with the use of a light-actuated switch, such as a photocell or photodiode, which limits or cuts off battery draw and illumination of the light in daylight or lighted ambient conditions and enables illumination of the light in dark ambient conditions such as nighttime and low light environments. An indicator such as a visible light is provided for identifying whether or not an infrared light is on and drawing power.