Dual Battery Safety Light with Solar Recharge and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Safety lights at road construction sites face unpredictable battery lifespan and environmental concerns due to non-rechargeable batteries, while rechargeable batteries may not fully charge and suffer from battery memory, leading to inconsistent illumination and improper disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
A safety light system combining a non-rechargeable and a rechargeable battery source, with a solar cell array and a power control processor that manages power distribution between the two, ensuring efficient use and recharging of the rechargeable battery to minimize battery memory and extend non-rechargeable battery life, while providing indicators for battery replacement needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-rechargeable batteries are used to power safety lights, then the lights can operate reliably without charging concerns, but the batteries have unpredictable lifespan and create environmental disposal problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers energy by capturing solar power during the day and storing it in the rechargeable battery for nighttime use, eliminating the need to discard non-rechargeable batteries and reducing environmental impact from battery disposal
2Duration of action of stationary object
If rechargeable batteries are used with solar cell arrays, then battery replacement frequency is reduced, but the batteries may not fully charge during sunlight hours and suffer from battery memory effects
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into two distinct battery systems - non-rechargeable batteries for immediate reliable power and rechargeable batteries for extended duration power, with each serving specific functions to overcome the limitations of using either type alone
Solution Approach 2:
The power control processor acts as an intermediary that intelligently manages power distribution between the two battery sources, monitoring charge levels and determining optimal power source selection to ensure consistent illumination while minimizing battery memory effects
3Reliability
If a dual battery system is implemented, then both reliability and duration are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automatic power management where the power control processor autonomously monitors battery charge levels and switches between power sources without user intervention, and the solar cell array automatically recharges the rechargeable battery during daylight hours
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 ensures consistent illumination by optimizing battery use, reducing environmental impact through efficient disposal management and minimizing battery memory effects, thereby enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A solar cell array is also provided with the safety light. The solar cell array is operatively connected to the rechargeable battery source and adapted to recharge the rechargeable battery source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a safety light, such as a barricade lamp. The safety light comprises a light member and a power source comprising a non-rechargeable battery source and a rechargeable battery source. A solar cell array is also included and is adapted to recharge the rechargeable battery source. A battery monitor and a power control processor are configured to control the supply of power to the light member by causing the rechargeable battery source to power the light member until the charge level of the rechargeable battery source falls below a certain level, at which time the power control processor causes power from the non-rechargeable battery source to power the light member.