Conductive Flask Flashlight Circuit for Ergonomic Multi-Use Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flashlights with LED light sources have become smaller due to energy efficiency, but users often prefer the ergonomic and alternate uses of larger units, necessitating improvements for adaptability to varied environments and purposes.
Innovation Solution
A flashlight design incorporating an electrically conductive fluid flask and cap as part of the power circuit, allowing for the use of larger battery cells and fluid containers, with the flask and cap made of metal or non-conductive materials with conductive elements to complete the electrical circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional LED flashlights use smaller battery cells to reduce size, then portability is improved, but ergonomic comfort and alternate uses are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a traditional flashlight, a fluid container (water bottle), or a combination of both. The flask integrated into the battery compartment allows the device to function as a fluid container while maintaining electrical connectivity for flashlight operation, thus accommodating users who prefer larger units for ergonomic reasons without sacrificing portability benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The flask is nested within the flashlight body structure, specifically integrated into the battery compartment area. This nesting allows the flask to occupy space that would otherwise be unused or minimally used, enabling the flashlight to maintain a larger size for ergonomic comfort while efficiently utilizing the internal volume
2Ease of operation
If larger battery cells are used to improve ergonomic comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but device size is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment space is dual-purpose: it houses both the battery cells and the flask. This multi-functionality allows the flashlight to maintain a larger size for ergonomic comfort while efficiently utilizing the internal volume, as the flask occupies space that would otherwise be empty or minimally used
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuit and fluid container functions are merged into a single integrated structure. The flask is positioned and configured within the battery compartment such that it simultaneously serves as a fluid container and maintains electrical connectivity for the flashlight circuit, combining two functions that traditionally would require separate components
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
Enables the use of larger battery cells and fluid containers, maintaining ergonomic design while ensuring electrical connectivity, enhancing adaptability and functionality in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive fluid flask and flask end cap forming part of the light source power circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An electric powered flashlight configured so that one or more of the battery cells designed to fit within it may be replaced by a fluid carrying vessel that is electrically conducive so that in addition to carrying fluids internally it may be part of the energy transmission circuit within said flashlight. One or both ends of said vessel may have a removable drinking cap.