Flashlight Locking Pin Prevents Infrared Mode Accidental Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flashlights with both infrared and visible light sources lack a locking mechanism to prevent unintended switching from infrared to visible light mode, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially when users are trying to remain unseen.
Innovation Solution
A flashlight design with a locking element that blocks the transition from infrared to visible light mode, requiring intentional unlocking to activate the visible light source, while allowing unhindered switching from visible to infrared mode, using a locking pin and guide groove mechanism to prevent accidental activation of the visible light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flashlight comprises both infrared and visible light sources with a switchable operating element, then the flashlight can provide both infrared and visible light modes, but the operating element may unintentionally migrate from infrared mode to visible light mode causing the visible light source to be accidentally switched on
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is positioned to engage with the operating element before any unintended migration can occur. The locking mechanism proactively prevents the operating element from moving from the first adjustment range (infrared mode) to the second adjustment range (visible light mode) by creating a mechanical barrier that must be intentionally disengaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the operating element and the adjustment ranges. It mediates the transition by blocking the path from the first to the second adjustment range, requiring intentional user action to overcome this intermediate barrier before mode switching can occur.
2Reliability
If a locking element is added to prevent unintended mode switching, then the reliability of mode selection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment path is segmented into distinct first and second adjustment ranges by the locking element. This segmentation creates clear mechanical boundaries that separate the infrared mode range from the visible light mode range, preventing unintended transitions while maintaining simple operational zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the operating element itself complex with built-in locking mechanisms, the solution inverts the approach by adding a separate, simple locking element that interacts with the operating element. This external locking mechanism is simpler than redesigning the operating element with complex internal locking features.
3Reliability
If the operating element is blocked during transition from infrared to visible light mode, then accidental activation is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism exhibits asymmetric behavior: it blocks transitions from the first adjustment range to the second range (infrared to visible light), but allows unhindered transitions from the second range to the first range (visible light to infrared). This asymmetric locking provides directional protection while maintaining ease of operation in the safe direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be released by the user's own intentional action. When the user deliberately wants to switch to visible light mode, they can intentionally actuate the locking element to disengage it, allowing the transition. The system serves itself by using the user's intentional action to both lock and unlock the mechanism as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A flashlight includes a casing having a casing interior and a casing outer side, an infrared light source arranged in the casing interior for operation in at least one infrared light mode, a visible light source arranged in the casing interior for operation in at least one visible light mode, an energy source, a control unit for driving the infrared light source and the visible light source, and a manually operable operating element, arranged on the casing outer side, for selecting between the at least one infrared light mode, the at least one visible light mode and a switch-off mode. The flashlight further comprises a locking element for blocking the operating element during a transition from the at least one infrared light mode to the at least one visible light mode.