Flashlight Lighting and Diffuser Apparatus with Integrated Secondary LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flashlights with external diffuser tips increase in size, complicating storage and requiring removal for focused emissions, necessitating an integrated solution for both focused and diffused lighting modes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode flashlight with a reflector having a truncated paraboloidal interior surface and a cylindrical member of light transmitting material, incorporating a primary LED and an array of secondary LEDs, along with a control circuit and electromechanical signaling device for adjustable light output modes, allowing seamless transition between directed and diffused lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external diffuser tip accessories are used to convert focused output beam to diffused wide-angle light, then diffused lighting capability is improved, but the outer dimensions of the flashlight increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diffuser functionality directly into the flashlight head by integrating a cylindrical light-transmitting member (diffuser) and secondary LED array into the housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate external diffuser tip accessories, providing diffused lighting capability while maintaining a compact form factor that fits standard flashlight holsters.
Solution Approach 2:
The flashlight head is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a primary LED for focused beam output and a secondary LED array with a light-transmitting cylindrical member for diffused lighting. This universal design allows the single device to provide both focused and diffused lighting modes without requiring additional accessories or increasing overall dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external diffuser tip accessories are used to provide diffused lighting, then diffused lighting capability is improved, but device complexity increases requiring removal and storage of accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diffuser functionality directly into the flashlight head by integrating a cylindrical light-transmitting member (diffuser) and secondary LED array into the housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate external diffuser tip accessories, providing diffused lighting capability while maintaining a compact form factor that fits standard flashlight holsters.
3Length of stationary object
If a compact design is used to maintain utility and ease of storage, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both focused and diffused lighting modes may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the lateral dimension of the flashlight head by arranging secondary LEDs in a ring configuration around the primary LED axis, with their optical axes oriented radially outward. The cylindrical light-transmitting member is positioned to receive light from these radially-oriented LEDs, enabling diffused lateral light emission without increasing the overall length of the flashlight, thus maintaining compactness while providing multiple lighting modes.
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 a compact design that maintains utility by providing adjustable light output modes without the need for external accessories, ensuring efficient use of space and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical member of light transmitting material proximate the reflector... light passing through the proximal end portion and light passing through the interior sidewall is emitted from the exterior sidewall to provide a diffuse light
Implementation Method 2
a reflector having a longitudinal axis... an interior surface extending from the first rim to the third rim. The interior surface may have a truncated parabolodial shape
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting and diffuser apparatus for a flashlight. In one aspect, the lighting and diffuser apparatus includes a reflector. The reflector may include an interior surface having a truncated parabolodial shape, as well as an exterior surface which includes a first segment that defines a lateral surface of a frustum of a right circular cone. The lighting and diffuser apparatus further may include a primary light source inside the reflector, and a secondary light source outside the reflector. The secondary light source may include an array of light sources facing the first segment. The array of light sources may be distributed in a ring. The lighting and diffuser apparatus also may include a cylindrical member of light transmitting material near the reflector.