Electronic Ice Jig Using Electrochemical Capacitor and Switching Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice fishing jigs with integrated light-emitting diodes face challenges due to large size, high energy consumption, short battery life, environmental hazards from conventional batteries, and inability to use LEDs with forward voltages above 3.7V, as well as inefficiencies in energy use and long charging times.
Innovation Solution
An electronic flashing ice jig utilizing a miniature electrochemical capacitor as a power source and a switching mode power converter to drive LEDs, allowing for compact size, efficient energy use, and automatic voltage adjustment for different color LEDs, with contacts serving as both mechanical and electrical components for immersion detection and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional batteries are used to power LEDs in ice jigs, then the LED can be driven, but the jig size becomes too large and the battery contains harmful chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful chemical battery from the system and replaces it with an electrochemical capacitor that uses only carbon and organic electrolyte, eliminating the need for hazardous substances while maintaining power supply functionality in a compact form
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power source parameters from conventional battery chemistry to electrochemical capacitor technology, achieving both size reduction and environmental safety while providing sufficient voltage and current for LED operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If lithium polymer battery is used to achieve higher voltage for InGaN LEDs, then LEDs with forward voltage greater than 3.7V can be used, but the battery size becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source from lithium polymer battery to electrochemical capacitor, which can provide the necessary voltage for InGaN LEDs without requiring large size, thus achieving both high voltage capability and compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical capacitor serves multiple functions: providing high voltage for InGaN LEDs, maintaining compact size, enabling rapid charging, and offering long cycle life, making it a universal power source solution for various LED types
3Reliability
If current regulating resistor is used to control LED current, then the LED can be driven safely, but energy losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical resistor-based current regulation with an active electronic switching circuit that uses MOSFETs and control logic to regulate LED current, dramatically improving energy efficiency while maintaining LED operation safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through the controller that monitors the circuit state and adjusts the switching of power elements accordingly, enabling precise current regulation that protects the LED while minimizing energy losses
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional battery is used as power source, then the LED can be powered, but the charging time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching action in the power conversion circuit, allowing rapid energy transfer from the power source to the electrochemical capacitor and LED, enabling fast charging that reduces waiting time significantly compared to conventional battery charging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional slow battery charging with electrochemical capacitor charging through switching mode power conversion, achieving rapid energy storage that reduces charging time from hours to minutes
5Ease of repair
If removable battery cover is used to allow battery replacement, then the battery can be replaced, but the device complexity increases and waterproofing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power source into a sealed, non-removable configuration integrated with the jig body, eliminating the need for removable covers and complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining functionality through the use of electrochemical capacitor technology
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed housing serves multiple functions: protecting the electrochemical capacitor, providing waterproofing, and eliminating the need for removable battery covers, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining ease of use
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 significantly reduces energy losses, prolongs the ice jig's service life, minimizes environmental impact, and enables efficient operation for up to 4 hours with rapid charging, while being environmentally friendly and adaptable to various LED colors.
Implementation Method 1
the power source is an electrochemical capacitor
Implementation Method 2
the special switching mode power converter converts power supply voltage into LED driving current
Implementation Method 3
light emitting diodes and their control circuits
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic flashing (illuminated) ice jig is applied for predatory fish fishing. Jig volume has the printed circuit board (2), containing a power supply (3) and an electronic circuit (4) which control the light-emitting diode (1) operation. Jig is overmolded with a special water-tight plastic (5) to form a volumetric shape. Jig has a hook (6) and the eye (7) for fishing line attachment. The eye (7) and the hook (6) are not only used as mechanical components, but also as electrical contacts. Those contacts (7) and (6) are used to detect when jig is placed in water. Placement into water turns on the main controller (9) which is forming the flashes of a light-emitting diode (1). The same contacts are used to charge the jig. A double layer capacitor is used for power supply, which is environmentally friendly, can be quickly charged and small in size. Small size of a jig is the necessary requirement. Switched-mode voltage-to- current converter (10) is used to transfer the power from the power supply (3) to the light- emitting diode (1), thus automatically adapting the converter output voltage to the turn-on voltage of the light-emitting diode.