Deployable Flexible Light Strips for Rugged Portable Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting systems are fragile and have short lifespans in hostile environments such as mining, construction, and military settings, leading to frequent failures and potential mercury contamination.
Innovation Solution
A flexible lighting system comprising portable, robust, and easily assembled light strips with integrated power supplies and control panels, capable of operating in extreme temperatures and environments, featuring even light distribution and switching between white and blackout modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lighting systems (fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs) are used in hostile environments, then they can provide sufficient illumination, but they suffer high fragility and short lifespans leading to frequent failures
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular flexible light strips that can be independently handled and installed. Each strip contains multiple LED segments that can function independently, allowing partial replacement if damaged and reducing the risk of total system failure in hostile environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional bulb-based lighting to LED-based flexible strips, changing the fundamental lighting parameter from point-source to distributed linear light source. This parameter change enables both improved durability and flexibility while maintaining adequate illumination levels.
2Reliability
If flexible light strips are deployed in hostile environments, then reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to integration of power supply and control panel
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply and control panel are integrated into a single portable carrying bag that also stores the flexible light strips. This merging of multiple components into one portable unit reduces the number of separate items to manage and deploy, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable carrying bag serves multiple functions: it stores the flexible light strips, houses the power supply, contains the control panel, and provides a portable charging station. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing system complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If flexible light strips are used to provide even light distribution, then shadowing is reduced, but the area required for light strip installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from point-source illumination to linear distributed illumination, adding a dimensional aspect to light distribution. The flexible strips can be installed along edges, perimeters, or in linear arrangements, creating even light distribution through extended linear coverage rather than multiple point sources.
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 reliable, efficient, and safe lighting in rugged conditions with reduced shadowing and extended lifespan, suitable for military and industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible light strip and a second flexible light strip, each comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A representative embodiment of a lighting system includes a carrying bag having a first opening with a control panel cover; a mounting bracket arranged in the carrying bag; a power supply coupled to or arranged on the mounting bracket; a control panel arranged within the first opening and coupled to the mounting bracket; a first flexible light strip; a second flexible light strip; and a power cable coupleable within the carrying bag to the control panel, the first flexible light strip, and the second flexible light strip. The first and second flexible light strips are coupleable to the power cable to receive DC power from the control panel, and may be extended throughout a structure, such as a tent, using a plurality of hangers. In a representative embodiment, the first flexible light strip provides white light and the second flexible light strip provides blackout light.