Flexible LED Lighting Element for Wearable Hands-Free Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable lighting devices lack flexibility in orientation and attachment options, making them difficult to use hands-free or attach to surfaces without requiring complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A portable lighting device with a flexible LED array affixed to a backing support member, pivotably coupled to a housing, and equipped with an attachment mechanism for removable attachment to clothing or surfaces, allowing 2 degrees of adjustment freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable lighting device is designed with fixed orientation, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be easily oriented when not held by a user
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting element is made pivotally adjustable, allowing it to move from a fixed to a dynamic state. The coupling mechanism enables the lighting element to pivot between multiple angular positions, transforming the device from static orientation to dynamic repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components: a housing and a lighting element that can be independently positioned. The lighting element can be detached from the housing and repositioned, allowing flexible orientation without complicating the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If a portable lighting device is designed as wearable, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the device requires attachment mechanisms to clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed with universal applicability, using common fastening methods that can attach to various types of clothing and surfaces. This multi-functional attachment system enables hands-free operation without requiring specialized or complex attachment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable lighting device is designed with adjustable lighting element, then lighting configuration flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting element incorporates pivotal adjustability, allowing it to dynamically change orientation angles. This dynamic positioning capability provides lighting configuration flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through straightforward mechanical pivoting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting element is designed as a separable, independently adjustable component that can be repositioned relative to the housing. This segmentation allows flexible lighting configuration without requiring complex integrated adjustment mechanisms throughout the entire device.
4Ease of operation
If a portable lighting device is designed to be compact for storage, then portability is improved, but the lighting element cannot be easily deployed for use
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting element transitions from a compact stored position to a deployed operational position through pivotal movement. This dynamic deployment mechanism allows the device to maintain a compact form factor for portability while enabling easy deployment when needed, without requiring additional space or complex expansion mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable lighting device capable of being used in multiple use configurations, defined by distinct positions and distinct states, to provide the user of the lighting device with greater operating flexibility, including the ability to be worn on an article of clothing. The portable lighting device includes a housing having an integral securement recess, an adjustable, deployable lighting element including a flexible LED array affixed to a flexible backing support member, and a coupling support extending from a central portion and that is pivotably coupled to the front portion of the housing. An electronics package includes a power source contained within the housing and operably coupled to said lighting element. An attachment means extends from the housing and is adapted to removably connect with an article of closing worn by a user of the device. Depending upon the particular need for illumination, the lighting element can be adjusted and deployed into a variety of states and positions.