Flexible Book Light Neck for Transport Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable illuminators, such as book lights, are susceptible to breakage during transport and have limited adjustable lighting positions, restricting their usability in various conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable illuminator design featuring a housing with a light source, a base for attachment, and a flexible neck that allows adjustable positioning, along with a clamp and biasing device for secure attachment to objects, enabling the housing to be nested within the base for enhanced durability and a wide range of lighting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the illuminator is designed with a fixed rigid structure, then manufacturing is simpler, but the illuminator is susceptible to breakage during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the neck portion bendable and flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to flex and absorb impact forces during transport. The neck can be bent at multiple points and has a spring element that provides elastic recovery, enabling the structure to dynamically adapt to mechanical stresses while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a spring element within the neck portion that acts as a shock-absorbing mechanism. This spring element is pre-installed to cushion impacts before they reach the light source and housing, protecting fragile components from breakage during transport and use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the illuminator has limited adjustable positioning, then the structure is simpler, but the lighting versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing continuous adjustability through the bendable neck portion that can be positioned at multiple angles. The neck connects the head to the base and can be bent and angled in various positions, allowing the light source to be directed at different orientations without requiring complex mechanical joints or segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the illuminator into distinct functional segments: the base, the bendable neck portion, and the head containing the light source. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, with the neck providing flexibility and positioning freedom while the base and head remain structurally simple.
3Reliability
If the housing is positioned away from the base, then lighting coverage is improved, but the illuminator is more vulnerable to damage during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the neck to be dynamically positioned between a retracted state (nested within the base) for transport protection and an extended state (protruding from the base) for lighting coverage. The bendable nature of the neck enables it to transition between these states based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nesting principle by allowing the head to be nested within or alongside the base when not in use, creating a compact configuration that protects the light source during transport. The neck can be bent to position the head within the base structure, minimizing the overall footprint and exposing fragile components to minimal damage risk.
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
The design enhances resistance to breakage during transport and provides a versatile range of lighting positions, improving durability and usability in different environments.
Implementation Method 1
The neck may include a spring element that allows the neck to flex and bend
Implementation Method 2
a biasing device for providing a biasing force to clamp or hold an object between the first and second members
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating device is described. The illuminating device may include a head, a neck and a body. The illuminating device may be manipulated into numerous positions including extended and nested positions so that the light source may be positioned inside the securing structure in the nested position and outside the securing structure in the extended position. Such an illuminating device may be desirable for use, for example, as a portable illuminator, book light, and travel light.