Conductive Pivot Joint Power Routing for Illumination Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices face challenges in efficiently routing power from a battery to an illumination element while maintaining a compact and hands-free design, often requiring separate power routing elements like wires.
Innovation Solution
The use of pivot joint components made of conductive materials as both structural and electrical pathways to transfer power from a battery compartment to an illumination module, eliminating the need for separate power routing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate power routing elements like wires are used to transfer power from battery to illumination element, then electrical connection is reliable, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical pivot joint structure with the electrical power routing function by making the pivot joint elements conductive. This merging eliminates separate power routing elements like wires, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the integrated conductive pivot joints that transfer power during module pivoting.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joint elements serve dual functions: providing mechanical support and enabling module rotation while simultaneously serving as electrical conductors for power transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the power routing system.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple separate components are used for power routing, then electrical path is clear and reliable, but compact design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive pivot joint elements merge the mechanical connection function with the electrical power routing function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate wires or power routing elements, enabling a more compact illumination device design while maintaining clear and reliable electrical paths through the pivot joints.
3Device complexity
If conductive pivot joint elements are used to transfer power, then separate power routing elements are eliminated, but contact reliability during pivoting must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical power routing function directly into the mechanical pivot joint structure by using conductive pivot joint elements. This merging ensures that the electrical contact is maintained through the pivot joint itself, which is designed to maintain contact during pivoting motion, thereby eliminating separate power routing elements while ensuring contact reliability.
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
This solution enables efficient power transfer and a compact design, allowing for independent operation of multiple light sources within an illumination device, while maintaining a hands-free and versatile form factor suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The cover may be closed at one end by a cover (which may be adapted to be screwably coupled to the battery compartment) that includes a spring element electrically connected via an inner portion of the cover to the first terminal of the battery compartment
Implementation Method 2
The illumination module is pivotably secured in the mount by a pair of pivot joint elements, which are made of a conductive material and are components of an electrical path from a power source contained within the mount to one or more electrical components housed with the illumination module
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device has a battery compartment with a pair of terminals electrically connected to one or more circuit elements housed in a pivotable illumination module through a pair of pivot joint elements. Each pivot joint element is disposed at a respective one of a pair of pivot joints about which the pivotable illumination module pivots. The battery compartment preferably includes a screwably-mounted cover having a securing lanyard attached to the illumination device at one of the pair of pivot joints.