Fingertip Remote Switch for Arm-Mounted Flashlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arm-mounted flashlights require users to occupy one hand to turn the light on/off or switch between modes, limiting their ability to perform tasks with both hands while maintaining directional control over the flashlight beam.
Innovation Solution
A remote control switch device attached to the user's finger via a flexible cable, allowing fingertip operation of an arm-mounted flashlight, including power control and mode selection, using a push button or capacitive touch switch connected to the flashlight's tail cap or jack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flashlight is held in hand for operation, then the user can directly control the flashlight, but the user cannot perform tasks with both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight control function is segmented from the flashlight body and transferred to a separate remote control switch that can be worn on the user's person. This allows the flashlight to be mounted independently (e.g., on a weapon rail) while the control function is distributed to the user's hand or wrist, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining control capability
Solution Approach 2:
A remote control switch acts as an intermediary device between the user and the flashlight. The switch is connected to the flashlight via a flexible cable and allows the user to control the flashlight remotely without physically holding it, thus enabling the user to perform tasks with both hands while maintaining flashlight control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flashlight is mounted on the arm, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the user cannot easily control the flashlight without removing a hand from the current task
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is separated from the flashlight body and implemented as a standalone remote control switch that can be worn on the user's hand or wrist. This segmentation allows the flashlight to remain mounted on the arm for hands-free operation while the control interface is made independently accessible to the user
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control switch serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the mounted flashlight and the user's control needs. It is positioned within easy reach of the user's fingers and connected via a flexible cable, allowing intuitive control without requiring the user to remove a hand from their primary task
3Adaptability or versatility
If a remote control switch is added, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control switch is extracted as a separate, standalone component from the flashlight body. This extracted switch can be worn independently on the user's hand or wrist and connected to the flashlight via a flexible cable, adding hands-free capability without requiring integration into the flashlight's internal structure
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control switch is designed as a simple, inexpensive accessory with minimal components (switch, housing, flexible cable). This simple design minimizes the complexity addition while providing the desired hands-free operation capability
Data Source
AI summary
A remote switch device for an arm-mounted electrical lighting accessory, such as a flashlight, may be securable to a finger of a user. The switch device can include a remote control unit in electrical contact with the end of a flexible cable. The remote control unit can include an integral finger mount for attachment to a finger of the user. The flexible cable can include one end in electrical contact with the remote control unit and a second end in electrical contact with a first connector adapted for being electrically connected to a complementary second connector on the arm-mounted electrical lighting accessory.