Flashlight Mode Switching via Internal Adjustable Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-mode flashlights are limited by their unalterable factory configurations and prone to failure due to exposed switches, leading to increased manufacturing and stocking costs for manufacturers and retailers, as well as operational challenges for users, especially first responders.
Innovation Solution
A portable lighting assembly with an internal adjustable switch that configures the external primary switch's mode, allowing for customizable functionality without user access during normal operation, reducing the number of exposed switches and simplifying operation by allowing manufacturers to preset different configurations for various users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flashlights are manufactured to meet different user needs, then user needs are met, but manufacturing and stocking costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single flashlight model capable of performing multiple functions through programmable mode switching. The controller can be programmed to provide different lighting modes (searchlight, floodlight, spotlight, strobe, etc.) using the same hardware components, eliminating the need to manufacture separate flashlights for different applications and thereby reducing manufacturing and stocking costs while meeting diverse user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the lighting element through programmable control. By adjusting parameters such as beam direction, illumination pattern, and temporal characteristics through software programming, the same physical flashlight can adapt to different user requirements without hardware modification, thus achieving versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are exposed to achieve different modes, then functionality is achieved, but reliability decreases due to increased failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching functions into a single primary switch. Instead of having separate switches for each lighting mode, the system uses one switch that interfaces with a programmable controller to select and activate different modes, thereby reducing the number of exposed switches and potential failure points while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical switches with a single mechanical switch and an electronic programmable controller. The controller uses software logic to determine which lighting mode to activate based on the single switch's position, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical switching components and improving reliability by reducing physical failure points
3Ease of manufacture
If factory configuration is fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability through programmable control. Instead of fixed factory settings, the lighting modes and their corresponding switch positions can be dynamically programmed and reprogrammed after manufacture. This allows the same hardware to be adapted to different user needs through software updates without changing the physical structure or manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows manufacturers to pre-program default configurations during manufacturing, but the system can be subsequently reprogrammed by authorized users or service centers. This preliminary action during manufacture maintains manufacturing simplicity while preserving the ability to adapt to specific user needs through post-manufacturing programming
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode portable lighting assembly, such as a flashlight, is disclosed. The portable lighting assembly may include a plurality of lighting elements controllable by a plurality of switches. A first switch may be disposed on an outside portion of the portable lighting assembly and may therefore be accessible to a user under normal operating conditions. A second switch may be disposed within a compartment of the portable lighting assembly and may therefore be inaccessible to the user under normal operating conditions. The second switch may also be disposed on the outside portion of the portable lighting assembly. The second switch may have a plurality of positions and dependent on the selected position, the second switch may dictate the operation of the first switch with respect to the plurality of lighting elements.