Container Light with Sensor-Based Automatic Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable lights for containers lack automatic activation mechanisms that respond to container opening and ambient light conditions, leading to inefficient illumination and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A portable light system with a base portion and housing portion, equipped with sensors (acceleration, proximity, and light sensors) and a control unit that automatically activates an LED array when the container lid is opened beyond a predefined angle and deactivates in bright ambient light or when sensing an internal surface, using adhesive or mechanical fasteners for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light is continuously activated to ensure illumination, then the illumination availability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light system incorporates sensors (acceleration sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor) that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the light emitting source activation state accordingly, enabling the light to turn on when needed and off when not needed, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination availability and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The light system is designed to automatically detect and respond to container opening events and ambient light conditions without requiring manual user input. The sensors and control unit work together to autonomously determine when illumination is required, allowing the system to serve itself by making intelligent activation decisions based on real-time environmental feedback
2Extent of automation
If sensors operate continuously to detect container opening and ambient light conditions, then the automation capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor operates in a hibernation mode where it periodically checks for container opening events rather than continuously monitoring. When a container opening event is detected, the sensor transitions to an active state to provide continuous data, and then returns to hibernation mode. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to detect when activation is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor continuously monitors for container opening events and triggers the proximity sensor to activate only when needed. This preliminary detection mechanism allows the system to prepare for potential light activation without requiring all sensors to operate at full power continuously, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining automation capability
3Illumination intensity
If the light activates in bright ambient light conditions, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor continuously monitors ambient light conditions and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and determines whether the ambient light level is sufficient to provide adequate illumination. If the ambient light is bright, the control unit prevents the light emitting source from activating, avoiding energy waste while ensuring illumination coverage is maintained through natural light
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 efficient and automatic illumination of container interiors, conserving power by activating only when needed and maintaining water resistance, with sensors operating in hibernation mode to reduce energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
The light may include a light source which may be a light emitting diode (LED) array
Data Source
AI summary
A light having a housing portion and a base portion and wherein the housing portion is removably engaged with the base portion. The base portion may be engaged with an insulating device or other container and the light may be configured to turn on when the insulating device lid is opened.