Multi-Mode Flashlight Lens Carrier Translation and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flashlights lack the versatility and efficiency offered by LEDs in compact form factors, particularly in terms of adjustable illumination modes and underwater use, due to limitations in LED technology and design.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal flashlight design featuring a light source housing with a translatable lens carrier and a rotatable collar system that allows for adjustable lens positioning and power source decoupling, enabling operation in underwater environments and multiple power source compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lens carrier is made translatable to enable adjustable focus and multiple illumination modes, then the versatility and adaptability of the flashlight is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components and sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lens carrier is made translatable along the optical axis through a threaded interface between the lens carrier and light source housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of lens position to achieve different focus and illumination modes (spotlight, floodlight, medium beam) while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The same translatable lens carrier mechanism serves multiple functions: adjusting focus, changing illumination modes (spotlight, floodlight, medium beam), and working in various environments including underwater, thereby improving versatility without requiring separate mechanisms for each function
2Reliability
If the light source housing and power source are decoupled with independent sealing, then the reliability for underwater use is improved, but the device complexity increases due to separate sealing systems and threaded engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight is divided into two separately sealable modules: the light source housing (containing LED, lens carrier, and optical components) and the power source housing (containing battery and electrical connector). Each module can be independently sealed and tested, improving reliability for underwater operation while allowing simpler sealing systems in each module compared to a fully integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
A threaded engagement mechanism with integrated sealing elements acts as an intermediary between the light source housing and power source housing, providing both mechanical connection and environmental sealing. This allows the two modules to be coupled when needed while maintaining independent sealing capabilities, reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lens carrier is positioned at adjustable distances from the light source, then the manufacturing precision and assembly complexity increase, but the adaptability for different illumination modes is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The lens carrier incorporates a threaded interface with the light source housing, allowing precise adjustment of lens position along the optical axis through rotational motion. This provides controlled, repeatable positioning at different distances (for spotlight, floodlight, medium beam modes) with manageable manufacturing precision requirements through standard thread pitch design
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 design enhances the versatility and efficiency of LED flashlights by allowing adjustable focus, multiple illumination modes, and independent sealing of the light source and power source, enabling reliable operation in diverse conditions, including underwater use.
Implementation Method 1
The flashlight body may include a collar having a threaded inner surface, where the threaded surface of the collar may be configured to engage the threaded end of the flashlight head
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein is a flashlight (100) comprising a flashlight head (110) comprising a light source housing (115); a light source supporting structure (200) disposed at least partially within the light source housing (115), wherein at least one of the light source housing (115) and the light source supporting structure (200) comprises a threaded end (170); and a lens carrier (310) received within the light source housing (115), wherein the lens carrier (310) is translatable within the light source housing (115) between a first distance relative to the light source supporting structure (200) and a second distance relative to the light source supporting structure (200); and wherein the threaded end (170) of the flashlight head (110) is configured to engage a flashlight body (130).