Flexible LED Illumination Strips with Solar Recharge for Wearable Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination systems are not designed for individuals engaging in outdoor activities independently, lacking visibility in low-light conditions, which increases safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A rechargeable battery-powered illumination system with integrated solar panel, flexible LED strips, and control mechanisms for adjustable lighting patterns, including a communication device for emergency services contact, designed for wearable applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If battery-powered lights are used for individual outdoor activities, then visibility in low-light conditions is improved, but portability and ease of wear are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible LED strips that can be conformally attached to various surfaces of outdoor gear (helmets, jackets, bags), replacing rigid light fixtures. This flexibility allows the illumination system to integrate seamlessly with wearable items, maintaining portability while providing effective visibility enhancement through multiple strategic light placement points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination system is divided into multiple independent LED strip segments that can be separately attached to different parts of outdoor equipment (front, back, sides). This segmentation allows distributed illumination for comprehensive visibility while keeping each component small and easy to attach or remove, preserving the portability of individual gear pieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If solar panels are integrated for recharging, then energy sustainability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy sustainabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panel serves multiple functions: it charges the battery during daytime, provides a visual indicator of charging status through LED feedback, and can be positioned to maximize sun exposure regardless of weather conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added manufacturing complexity by delivering energy sustainability, cost savings, and user feedback in a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically recharges its battery through the solar panel during daytime without user intervention. The solar panel continuously converts sunlight to electrical energy, storing it in the battery for nighttime use, creating a self-sustaining energy cycle that eliminates the need for manual charging and reduces long-term operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple LEDs with control mechanisms are used, then lighting versatility and safety features are improved, but power consumption and battery requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting patternsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The LED system implements periodic flashing patterns rather than continuous illumination, with different flash rates indicating various states (charging status, battery level, emergency alerts). This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption compared to steady-state lighting while maintaining high visibility and communication effectiveness through temporal light modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination system dynamically adjusts LED brightness and activation patterns based on ambient light sensors, battery charge levels, and operational mode. LEDs are selectively activated only when and where needed, with intensity modulated according to environmental conditions, optimizing power consumption while maintaining lighting versatility for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Provides enhanced visibility and safety for individuals in low-light conditions, utilizing solar power for sustainable and economic lighting, with features like automatic charging and emergency alerts.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel for recharging the rechargeable battery during sufficiently high-light ambient conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

an elongated substrate, or strip, which supports various light-emitting diodes (LEDs) thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12007095B1Powered illumination strips

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 MUELLER THOMAS

AI summary

Illumination systems or strips which include one or more lights, such as LED lights, connected with a rechargeable battery, such as through copper or aluminum wiring, and a solar panel for recharging a rechargeable battery during sufficiently high-light ambient conditions, thus enabling the rechargeable battery to provide power for the illumination system during low-light ambient conditions.