Flashlight Attachment Optics Displacement for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flashlights with optical attachments suffer from non-uniform light intensity within the light cone, with maximum intensity on the optical axis and decreasing intensity towards the edges, making it difficult to achieve desired illumination settings.
Innovation Solution
The flashlight features attachment optics that can be displaced in relation to the LED by two stops, allowing for homogeneous light distribution in a 'moon position' with a large opening angle and focused setting with a small cone, utilizing specific geometric ratios and thermally conductive materials for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is moved along the longitudinal axis to change the opening angle of the light cone, then objects at different distances can be illuminated, but the light intensity within the light cone becomes non-uniform with greatest intensity on the optical axis and decreasing intensity towards the edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the attachment optics to be displaced in two discrete positions relative to the LED. This dynamic positioning enables the system to switch between a moon position (larger opening angle for distant objects) and a focus position (smaller opening angle for closer objects), making the illumination characteristics adaptable to different viewing distances while maintaining uniform light distribution in each position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the attachment optics relative to the LED to achieve different illumination characteristics. By displacing the attachment optics between two specific positions, the system alters the opening angle and light distribution parameters. The first position provides a larger opening angle with homogeneous light distribution for distant objects, while the second position provides a smaller opening angle for closer objects, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and uniformity
2Illumination intensity
If the attachment optics are displaced to achieve focused setting with small cone, then objects at great distance can be illuminated, but the usability becomes complex requiring laborious search for the right distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic two-position adjustment mechanism that simplifies operation by providing clearly defined moon and focus positions. Users can quickly switch between these two discrete settings without needing to search for the optimal distance, as each position is pre-configured to provide optimal illumination for specific distance ranges. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by making focused illumination easily accessible through simple positional changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous adjustment range into two distinct, pre-determined positions: a moon position for distant objects and a focus position for closer objects. This segmentation eliminates the complexity of continuous adjustment by providing two clearly defined settings, each optimized for specific illumination requirements. Users can reliably select the appropriate setting without laborious searching, as the segmentation creates distinct operational modes
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 quick and reliable selection of preferred settings with uniform illumination in the 'moon position' and focused illumination at a great distance, improving usability by ensuring consistent light distribution and efficient heat management.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting diode (LED) arranged on a disc-shaped holder
Implementation Method 2
an inner converging lens part
Implementation Method 3
an outer reflector part
Implementation Method 4
the holder has thermally conductive surfaces which are in contact with the housing
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flashlight having an auxiliary optical system that is rotation symmetrical to an optical axis, and that has an outer reflector part, an inner converging lens part, and a rear surface having a blind bore, and having a light-emitting diode (LED) arranged on a disk-shaped holder. In order to provide a flashlight having an auxiliary optical system, in which the emission characteristic can be set between a so-called moon setting and a focus setting, wherein the operability of the flashlight is to be as simple as possible and the desired setting can be found rapidly and reliably, according to the invention, the auxiliary optical system is displaceable relative to the LED delimited by two stops in such a manner that a substantially homogeneous light cone is generated in the case of contact of the auxiliary optical system on the holder.