Firefighter Laser Illumination Device with Pressure Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency lighting devices for firefighters, such as those using coherent light and toggle switches, face challenges in penetrating thick smoke and are difficult to operate with bulky gloves, leading to disorientation and inefficient rescue in smoke-filled structures.
Innovation Solution
A compact, self-contained laser illumination device with a pressure-activated switch and offset lasers emitting focused beams of coherent light, which can be easily carried and adhered to surfaces, providing clear visibility through smoke and simplifying activation with minimal motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a toggle switch is used to activate the device, then the device can be turned on and off, but it is difficult to operate with bulky firefighting gloves and may be easily triggered inadvertently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual toggle switch with a pressure-activated switch that detects pressure changes. This substitution eliminates the need for manual manipulation with gloved hands while providing a more reliable activation mechanism that responds to the specific action of placing the device on a surface, reducing inadvertent triggering.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically activates when placed on a surface, eliminating the need for manual switching. The pressure-sensitive switch detects the placement action and autonomously turns on the laser, making the device self-activating and easier to use with firefighting gloves.
2Illumination intensity
If panes or sheets of light are created, then the device can illuminate areas, but the light penetration through smoke is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light configuration from extended panes or sheets to focused beams. This parameter change in light geometry improves penetration through smoke by concentrating the coherent light in narrow beams that maintain intensity over distance, rather than dispersing light across wide areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of the laser sources within the housing, with each laser offset from the center. This asymmetric arrangement creates focused directional beams rather than symmetric diffuse illumination, improving light penetration through smoke-filled environments.
3Weight of moving object
If the device is made compact for easy carrying, then portability is improved, but the housing dimensions are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components within a compact nested arrangement. The battery, circuit board, laser sources, and housing are arranged in a space-efficient nested configuration that minimizes overall device volume while maintaining all necessary functions for portability.
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 effectively penetrates thick smoke, aiding navigation and rescue by providing clear light beams that are easy to activate even with firefighting gloves, allowing for efficient marking of paths and location identification in dense environments.
Implementation Method 1
a number of laser diodes in a housing with lenses that create panes or sheets of light
Implementation Method 2
at least two beams of coherent light outward from the housing
Implementation Method 3
a pressure-activated switch for connecting the at least two lasers to the power source when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing emergency lighting for firefighters is described. The device includes a housing having at least one laser disposed therein. A power source powers the at least one laser when the device is activated. The device can be activated using, for example, a pressure-activated switch, a smoke-activated switch, a heat-activated switch, or the like.