Ergonomic Handheld Light Grip With Intuitive Switch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held lights with cylindrical or flattened cylindrical grips are often uncomfortable and require users to adjust their grip to locate actuators, leading to ambiguity in operation.
Innovation Solution
A hand holdable light design featuring a non-circular rearward portion with a larger transverse dimension, a central recess for finger placement, and strategically positioned actuators on a forward portion for ergonomic grip and intuitive operation, along with a symmetrical battery assembly that allows orientation-independent installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical or flattened cylindrical grip is used, then the light can contain battery cells efficiently, but the grip is not comfortable and requires users to adjust their grip to locate actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The light body features an asymmetric grip portion with a non-circular cross-section that includes a recess on one side. This asymmetric design allows the user's fingers to naturally rest in the recess while the thumb or other finger can easily access the actuator, eliminating the need to adjust grip to locate controls
Solution Approach 2:
The grip portion has different cross-sectional characteristics at different locations: a recess is created on one side of the light body to specifically accommodate user fingers, while the overall shape maintains efficient battery containment. This local modification provides ergonomic benefits without compromising the overall structural efficiency
2Device complexity
If actuators are positioned on a cylindrical body, then the structure is simple, but the light is ambiguous to users who must finger around to locate the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is provided with a different surface finish or texture compared to the surrounding light body surface. This tactile differentiation allows users to quickly locate and identify the actuator by touch alone, without needing to search or adjust their grip
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned asymmetrically on the light body, specifically located on a side that is accessible when the user's fingers are resting in the recess. This asymmetric positioning, combined with the non-circular cross-section, ensures the actuator is intuitively located and easily accessible
Data Source
AI summary
A hand holdable light comprises: a light body having a forward portion, a light source proximate a forward end; and one or more switch actuators on the forward end for controlling the light source. The light is holdable by a hand in several ways wherein a finger or thumb is proximate an actuator. A battery assembly comprises: a battery housing for receiving and connecting a battery, an electrical switch on a first end of the battery housing; and a pattern of electrical contacts on a second end of the battery housing, wherein ones of the electrical contacts are connected to the battery.