Flashlight Mount With Flexible Mast And Interlocking Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free flashlight mounts lack flexibility and versatility, making them unsuitable for use in confined spaces where directional adjustment is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free, portable flashlight mount featuring a suction cup base, a modular, flexible mast, a 360-degree rotatable elbow joint, and a clamp adaptor with interlocking grooves, allowing the flashlight to be positioned in any orientation and securely attached to various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed, rigid flashlight mount is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the flashlight cannot be adjusted to different orientations or positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into multiple independent segments: a rigid base, a flexible mast composed of multiple articulating sections, and an adjustable head assembly. Each segment can move independently, allowing the flashlight to be positioned in various orientations while maintaining structural stability through the rigid base.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure. The flexible mast incorporates joints that allow bending and rotation, enabling the flashlight to adapt to different positions and angles while the suction cup base remains stationary on the surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a non-modular mast is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the mast length and configuration cannot be adjusted for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is constructed from multiple discrete modular segments that can be individually manufactured using standard processes. These segments connect through standardized interfaces, allowing the mast length to be adjusted by adding or removing segments without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular mast segments are designed with universal connection interfaces that work across all segments regardless of position or orientation. This allows the same basic component design to serve multiple functions and configurations, simplifying manufacturing while providing adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a simple clamp design is used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the flashlight cannot be securely held or rotated independently
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is segmented into an outer clamp body that attaches to the mast and an inner adjustable clamp mechanism that holds the flashlight. The inner clamp can rotate independently within the outer clamp, allowing the flashlight to be oriented differently from the mast direction while the outer clamp maintains the assembly's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner clamp mechanism is nested within the outer clamp assembly. The inner clamp rotates on its own axis while the outer clamp provides the mounting connection to the mast, creating a nested structure that enables independent rotation of the flashlight holder relative to the mast orientation.
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 flexible and secure mounting of flashlights on any smooth surface, accommodating different orientations and lengths, providing hands-free operation in confined areas.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup base
Data Source
AI summary
A flashlight mount is provided comprising a suction cup base, a flexible mast attached to the suction cup base at a first end wherein the modular, flexible mast is capable of being positioned in any orientation, a clamp adaptor attached to an elbow joint at a second end of the flexible mast wherein a single inner groove is formed vertically on an inside surface wherein the elbow joint is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the flexible mast and wherein the clamp adaptor is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the elbow joint, and an inner ring having a single outer groove formed vertically on an outside surface of the inner ring wherein the inner groove and outer groove interlock wherein the inner ring is rotatable 360 degrees with respect to the clamp adaptor and an opening in the inner ring is configured to hold a flashlight.