Multipurpose Lighting Device with Segmented Flashlight and Lantern Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flashlights are unable to provide full 360-degree lighting due to battery placement, which blocks light and limits their functionality to task-oriented lighting at less than 180 degrees, preventing them from serving both flashlight and lantern functions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose lighting device with a module housing containing a flashlight end and a lantern end, featuring two light sources and a power source, allowing for independent operation of each light source and enabling 360-degree illumination without battery interference, along with a single actuator button for various lighting modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If batteries are installed within the flashlight barrel rearwardly of the light source, then the flashlight structure is compact and simple, but the battery placement blocks light and prevents full 360-degree illumination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflashlight structureVSAvoidlighting function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate modules: a flashlight module with the light source and a battery compartment, and a lantern module with transparent sides. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function without interference, enabling the flashlight to project beams while the lantern provides 360-degree illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The batteries are extracted from the traditional position within the flashlight barrel and relocated to a separate battery compartment. This extraction removes the obstruction that previously blocked light and prevented full 360-degree illumination, allowing the lantern module to emit light in all directions without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional flashlight design is used with batteries in the barrel, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot provide both flashlight and lantern functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice manufacturingVSAvoidlighting function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines both flashlight and lantern functions in a single unit. The flashlight module provides directed beams for long-distance illumination, while the lantern module with transparent sides provides general 360-degree lighting. Both functions operate simultaneously or independently, maximizing the versatility of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flashlight module and lantern module are merged into a single integrated device with a shared power source. The modules are positioned adjacently with the flashlight at one end and the lantern at the other, allowing both functions to be combined in one handheld unit without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a single power source is used for both light sources, then energy efficiency is improved, but the lighting modes become more complex to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source efficiencyVSAvoidlighting mode control

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes a control system that automatically manages the single power source to serve both light sources. The controller intelligently distributes power to the flashlight and lantern modules based on operational requirements, and the button interface provides intuitive control for switching between different lighting modes without requiring complex user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 single device to project light over long distances, provide general lighting in all directions, and emit colored light, effectively combining flashlight and lantern functions while using a single power source and actuator, enhancing usability in emergencies and general use.

Implementation Method 1

a first light source configured to direct light out the flashlight end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

a second light source configured to direct light out the lantern end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8360596B2Flashlight and illuminated rear section with two-sided lighting module

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 DORCY INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A multipurpose lighting device comprising a flashlight end, a lantern end including a barrel through which light may pass, and a module mounted between the flashlight end and lantern end. The module includes a first light source configured to direct light out the flashlight end, and a second light source configured to direct light out the lantern end. The second light source is disposed on an opposite end of the module from the first light source. The module further includes a power source configured to energize the first light source and second light source, wherein the second light source is oppositely disposed on the module from the first light source.