Flexible Light Shield with Shape Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid flashlight wand attachments are obstructive and difficult to store, posing a risk of injury due to their length and rigidity, and existing solutions do not allow for easy carrying or compact storage.

Innovation Solution

A flexible light shield/diffuser attachment made from a pliable material with shape memory, featuring a collapsible design that can be easily mounted on a flashlight without tools, allowing for compact storage and use as a compact, rugged device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid wand attachment is used, then the light diffusion function is effective, but the device becomes obstructive and difficult to store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight diffusion functionVSAvoidstorage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wand attachment flexible rather than rigid. The attachment can dynamically change its shape - extended during use for effective light diffusion, and collapsed for compact storage. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt its physical state based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the physical state of the wand attachment between extended and collapsed configurations. The flexible material allows the attachment to change its length and shape parameters, enabling it to provide sufficient length for light diffusion when needed while reducing to a compact form for storage, thus resolving the contradiction between functional effectiveness and storage convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a long rigid wand is used, then the light diffusion function is effective, but the risk of injury from misuse increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight diffusion functionVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible shells by constructing the wand attachment from flexible material that can bend and collapse. This flexible construction eliminates the injury risk associated with rigid long wands while maintaining the light diffusion function. The flexible nature ensures that even if mishandled, the attachment will not cause injury like a rigid wand would.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic flexibility of the wand attachment resolves the safety contradiction. When extended, it provides sufficient length for effective light diffusion; when collapsed or bent, it becomes safe and cannot cause injury. This dynamic behavior allows the device to simultaneously achieve functional effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the attachment is made flexible, then storage convenience is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action through the shape memory feature, which pre-establishes the preferred extended configuration of the wand attachment. The shape memory effect ensures that when the attachment is extended for use, it automatically maintains its intended shape and structural stability, eliminating the need for manual positioning or support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing shape memory material that can transition between collapsed and extended states while maintaining structural integrity in the extended state. The shape memory property ensures that when extended, the flexible attachment achieves and maintains the structural stability needed for effective light diffusion, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible attachment enables easy carrying and storage while maintaining visibility and functionality, reducing the risk of injury and improving the overall compactness and usability of the flashlight.

Implementation Method 1

an elongated hollow body fabricated from a pliable material and having a shape memory

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS9476549B2Flexible light shield and diffuser

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 9609385 CANADA INC

AI summary

A flexible shield/diffuser attachment for a portable light, the light comprising a light emitting end emitting light generally along an axis is shown. The attachment comprises an elongated hollow body fabricated from a pliable material and having a shape memory. A first end of said hollow body is secured to the light emitting end coaxial with the axis.