Multi-Color Flashlight Cam Ring Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flashlights face issues such as non-uniform intensity, long time to adjust beam focal length, excessive battery drainage, and the need for additional components or battery removal for charging or beam color changes, which limit their modifiability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flashlight design with internalized batteries, adjustable beam width and intensity, and a selective color subsystem using a multi-level cam ring system that allows quick and efficient switching between light sources and colors, including infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths, with a cam follower mechanism for linear motion and spring-induced positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flashlight design with fixed light source is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for different light colors and beam configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight incorporates multiple light sources (white LED, red LED, green LED, blue LED, infrared LED, ultraviolet LED) within a single device, allowing one flashlight to perform multiple functions across different wavelengths and beam configurations, eliminating the need for separate flashlights for each light type
Solution Approach 2:
The light source system is divided into multiple independent LED elements that can be individually selected and activated. Each LED type produces a specific wavelength or color, allowing the user to segment the light output based on operational needs without requiring multiple complete flashlight units
2Speed
If manual adjustment of beam focal length is implemented, then the beam focus can be modified, but the adjustment time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight employs a dynamic focus adjustment mechanism that allows rapid change of beam focal length. The system transitions from static, manually-adjusted focus to a more responsive mechanism that can quickly alter the optical path and focal point, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional LED structures are added for beam color changes, then the color versatility is improved, but the device complexity and physical modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED structures of different types (white, red, green, blue, infrared, ultraviolet) are merged into a single integrated flashlight housing. This consolidation allows all color variations to be achieved within one device without requiring physical modification or addition of separate flashlight units, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of components
4Use of energy by moving object
If the flashlight is left on without automatic shutdown, then the beam intensity remains constant, but excessive battery drainage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight implements automatic shutdown functionality that periodically turns off the light after a set period of inactivity. This periodic action prevents continuous battery drainage while maintaining operational readiness, as the user can simply reactivate the flashlight when needed without manual intervention for battery management
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
Enables self-contained, multi-light configurations with adjustable beam width, distance, and intensity, along with various color variations, reducing battery drainage and simplifying operation while preventing accidental activation through a safety delay feature.
Implementation Method 1
an multi-level, inner surface cam ring whose internalized camming surface has a plurality of grooved and spaced cam areas... into which a linearly movable cam member acts as a cam follower, moving perpendicular to the centrally running axis
Implementation Method 2
The cam ring and cam follower is best viewed as an 'inverted' or reverse 'knife-edge cam and follower' whereby, as opposed to a traditional 'knife-edge cam and cam follower ', the translating (and translocating) cam consists of a series of internalized ridges of ever increasing heights/depths operating to induce linear translocation of a reciprocating cam follower
Implementation Method 3
The cam follower tip is configured to seat a ball bearing thereby reducing friction due to wear of the cam follower point along the cam ring's inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flashlight capable of generating and projecting multiple colors within one flashlight unit where said flashlight contains an extendable lens, a light source, a moveable member positionable at various locations to be moved across said light source, a rechargeable power source and a tail cap switch for ‘on’ and ‘off’ functions as well as dimming and brightening of a light source beam. The moveable member is slidably fixed to move perpendicular to a light source whereby movement to designated positions allows communication displaying different color light sources is positioned between a power source and a flashlight lens whereby a releasably-urging spring and rotatable, keyed cam ring serve to compress and release said spring to allow for color change.