Handheld Lighting Device with Detachable Knife Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handheld lighting devices are cumbersome and unsafe when used simultaneously with knives, as they require users to set the light down, leading to poor illumination in low-light environments during tasks like camping or tactical situations.

Innovation Solution

A handheld lighting device with a detachable knife assembly that allows the knife to be securely coupled and decoupled from the housing, enabling users to operate the light source independently of the knife, providing adequate illumination for tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user holds a flashlight and a knife simultaneously, then the user can illuminate the work area and perform cutting tasks, but the user cannot properly illuminate the branch to see the work area and shave tinder safely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform multiple tasksVSAvoidconvenience of using both light and knife

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a flashlight component and a knife component that can be independently operated. The knife can be detached from the flashlight body, allowing the user to hold only the lightweight flashlight for illumination tasks, or attach the knife when cutting is needed, eliminating the need to juggle both items simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The knife assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows it to move between a retracted position (when not needed) and an extended position (when cutting is required). This dynamic configuration enables the device to adapt its functionality based on the task at hand, providing versatility without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the user sets the flashlight down to use the knife, then the user can safely operate the knife, but the illumination of the work area becomes poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of knife operationVSAvoidbrightness of work area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The knife and flashlight are merged into a single integrated device where the knife can be securely attached to the flashlight body. This allows the user to maintain both illumination and cutting capabilities in one hand, eliminating the need to set down the flashlight for safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated design acts as an intermediary solution, combining two separate functions (lighting and cutting) into one cohesive device. This mediator approach allows the user to perform both illumination and cutting tasks simultaneously without compromising safety or effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the knife is permanently attached to the housing, then the knife is always available for use, but the device cannot be optimized for tasks requiring only lighting functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of knifeVSAvoidflexibility for different tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The knife is designed as a separable component that can be attached or detached from the flashlight body. This segmentation allows the knife to be permanently available when attached, but also enables the user to detach it for tasks requiring only lighting functionality, providing both availability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with universal functionality, allowing it to serve multiple purposes: as a flashlight alone, as a knife alone, or as a combined light-and-knife device. The detachable design enables the same device to adapt to different task requirements, whether illumination is needed, cutting is needed, or both are needed simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for safe and efficient use of the knife in low-light conditions by ensuring consistent illumination, enhancing user safety and task efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a light source disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to project a light beam to illuminate an area of interest external to the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10427311B2Handheld lighting device with detachable knife

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SUREFIRE LLC

AI summary

A handheld lighting device is provided with a detachable knife assembly. In one example, the handheld lighting device may include a light source that generates a light beam to illuminate a scene, such as a work area. The knife assembly may be coupled to the lighting device using an attachment mechanism. The lighting device may include a slot that may receive a sleeve of the knife assembly such that the knife assembly may be secured to the lighting device. The lighting device may illuminate the work area such that a user may readily see the area that a knife of the knife assembly may cut. The light source of the lighting device may be activated using a multi-access user control that may be L-shaped and actuated from one or more locations on the user control. Additional features and related methods are also provided.