Compact Lighting System Solar Rechargeable Light-Actuated Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective portable lighting system that can be easily applied to various substrates, such as clothing and equipment, to provide visibility in dim or dark environments, while also being reusable and energy-efficient to extend battery life.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting system with a removable mounting system, hermetically sealed in a waterproof pouch, featuring a rechargeable battery and light-actuated switch, which can be applied to diverse substrates, including clothing and fishing tackle, and includes an RFID device for location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the lighting system uses a rechargeable battery with solar charging, then the operating life is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery charging function with the existing light assembly by integrating a solar panel and charging circuit into the same housing. The light-actuated switch simultaneously controls both the lighting output and the charging process, merging multiple functions into a single integrated unit rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly serves multiple functions: it provides illumination when activated, detects ambient light levels through the light-actuated switch, and recharges the battery through the solar panel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while extending operating life.
2Weight of moving object
If the lighting system is made compact and lightweight, then it is easier to carry and apply, but the battery capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by operating the LED light only during nighttime or low-light conditions, controlled by the light-actuated switch. This intermittent operation significantly reduces average power consumption, allowing a smaller battery to provide sufficient operating life without increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel enables the system to recharge its own battery using ambient sunlight, creating a self-sustaining power system. This self-service capability allows the use of smaller battery capacity since the battery is continuously replenished during daylight hours, offsetting the weight penalty of reduced battery size.
3Loss of energy
If the lighting system uses automatic light-actuated switching, then battery power is conserved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-actuated switch is integrated directly into the existing circuitry of the light assembly, combining the light detection function with the power switching function. This integration eliminates the need for separate control units or additional wiring, reducing the complexity increase while achieving automatic power conservation.
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 through energy-efficient operation, is adaptable to various applications, and offers enhanced visibility and safety features, including tactical lighting options, while being durable and easy to use in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
light-actuated on-off switch
Implementation Method 2
solar charged battery
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.