Door Hardware Illumination Device with Motion Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting solutions fail to provide effective, direct, and accessible illumination for door handles and locks in dark or dimly lit areas, leading to user anxiety and inconvenience, especially for children, and require manual activation which can be difficult in dark environments.

Innovation Solution

A 'smart' illuminating light device with a motion sensor, rechargeable battery, and timer circuit that automatically turns on when motion is detected, providing direct and indirect illumination to specific areas like door handles and locks, and can be easily attached to surfaces using adhesive or magnetic fasteners, allowing for wireless control via smartphone apps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional lamps or nightlights are placed on tables or walls to provide light sources in rooms, then general illumination is provided, but the lighting is indirect and ineffective for seeing door handles and locks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting effectivenessVSAvoidaccess to door handle
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the light source specifically adjacent to the door handle and lock area rather than providing general room illumination. The light device is configured to illuminate only the specific area where it is needed (the door hardware), making the lighting effective for its intended purpose while avoiding unnecessary general illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If a light source is attached to a wall opposite from the door to provide direct lighting, then illumination is provided, but the light source is blocked by the individual standing in front of the door creating shadows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect lightingVSAvoidshadow creation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the door itself as an intermediary surface to mount the light source. By attaching the light device to the door or door frame rather than the wall opposite the door, the light is positioned to illuminate the door handle area from an angle that prevents shadow creation by the user's body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If conventional lights require manual turning on using light switches or outlets, then energy is saved when not in use, but it is difficult to locate and activate lights in dark environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conservationVSAvoidlight activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by incorporating a motion sensor that automatically detects when someone approaches the door and activates the light accordingly. The system serves itself by sensing the need for illumination and activating without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the problem of not being able to locate switches in dark environments while maintaining energy efficiency through automatic deactivation when motion is no longer detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Illumination intensity

If light sources provide broad illumination in dark areas, then general visibility is improved, but the specific area of door handles and locks remains difficult to see

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeneral visibilityVSAvoidtargeted illumination
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing the light device with a specific orientation and positioning that directs illumination precisely at the door handle and lock area. The device is configured to provide targeted lighting rather than broad ambient light, ensuring that the specific area requiring interaction is clearly visible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 device ensures easy access to door handles and locks in dark conditions, reducing user anxiety, providing automatic and convenient lighting without the need for manual activation, and can be programmed for timed usage or solar recharging, enhancing safety and security.

Implementation Method 1

The motion sensor enables the LED light source to turn ON after detecting a movement within a predetermined range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 2

an LED light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

a rechargeable battery to provide power to the motion sensor and the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRechargeable battery: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 4

adhesive tape at the bottom of the main body to adhere the smart illuminating light device to any surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11363698B2Door hardware illumination device
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 BROWN MARY ELLEN
  • US11363698B2 patent drawing
  • US11363698B2 patent drawing
  • US11363698B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This present invention relates to an illuminated source of light used for illuminating specific areas, such as door handles, door locks, door knobs and more. The source of light comprises an integrated light source, such as a plurality of LED lights, that can be turned ON manually or automatically based on motion detection of an approaching individual or object. Additionally, the source of light may be automatically turned OFF after a predetermined duration of time has elapsed in order to conserve battery life. The illuminated source of light offers a functional and decorative lighting solution for illuminating dark or dimly lit areas, such as dwelling entries.