Multi-function Flashlight Optic Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flashlights that incorporate additional light sources for secondary functions often compromise the ability to focus the primary beam and become overly complex, making them less usable.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function flashlight design featuring a focusing optic with a central focusing portion and a peripheral non-focusing portion allows for independent adjustment of the primary beam's focus without affecting the additional LEDs, using a sliding and rotating bezel mechanism to change the distance between the optic and LEDs, enabling both focusing and non-focusing functions simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional light sources are incorporated to perform additional functions, then the flashlight's functionality is improved, but the ability to focus the primary beam is compromised and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optic is divided into a focusing portion and a non-focusing portion, allowing the primary LED beam to be focused while additional LEDs provide non-focused illumination for secondary functions. This segmentation enables multiple functions without compromising the focusing capability of the primary beam.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the optic have different optical properties - the central focusing portion focuses light from the primary LED, while the peripheral non-focusing portion allows additional LEDs to provide ambient illumination. This local differentiation enables multi-functionality while preserving primary beam focusing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional light sources are incorporated to perform additional functions, then the flashlight's functionality is improved, but the flashlight size increases compromising usability
Solution Approach 1:
The focusing optic and non-focusing optic are merged into a single integrated optic component. The additional LEDs are positioned to utilize the non-focusing portion of the same optic structure, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing overall flashlight size.
Solution Approach 2:
A single optic structure serves dual purposes - the focusing portion handles the primary beam while the non-focusing portion accommodates additional functional LEDs. This multi-functionality is achieved within a unified optical system that does not increase flashlight volume.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between the optic and main LED is adjusted to focus the primary beam, then the beam focus is improved, but the focus of additional LEDs is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The optic is segmented into focusing and non-focusing portions, where only the focusing portion responds to distance adjustments for primary beam focusing. The non-focusing portion maintains consistent illumination characteristics for additional LEDs regardless of focus adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optic have different responses to distance changes - the focusing portion is designed to focus the primary beam at specific distances, while the non-focusing portion provides stable ambient illumination that is intentionally decoupled from focus adjustments.
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
This design allows for seamless adjustment of the primary beam from spot to flood without altering the focus of additional LEDs, maintaining usability and functionality while avoiding the need for flexible electrical connections, resulting in a more robust and cost-effective system.
Implementation Method 1
An optic for the flashlight includes a lens having a convex central surface disposed over the main LED, and a planar peripheral surface disposed over the additional LEDs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A multi-function flashlight that includes a flashlight body (42), an optic (10) having a focusing portion and a non-focusing portion, a main LED (34) positioned to direct light through the focusing portion, and one or more additional LEDs (48) positioned to direct light through the non-focusing portion. A power source may be disposed within the flashlight body adapted to provide power to the main and additional LEDs, and a first control may be included that is configured to selectively provide power to the main LED.