Flexible Mat Light With Living Hinges and Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of flexible and low-profile mat lights, with existing lights being inflexible and not suited for various orientations or compact workspaces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mat light made of thermoplastic polyester elastomer with living hinges, allowing multiple orientations, and an ABS housing for protection, including magnets for attachment to metal surfaces and a hook for hanging, enabling versatile positioning and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid light structures are used, then structural strength and component protection are improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different orientations are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The light structure is divided into multiple segments connected by living hinges, allowing the rigid light head and base to be segmented while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables flexibility without compromising the strength of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates living hinges made of flexible material that connect rigid components. These flexible hinges allow the light to bend and adapt to different orientations while the rigid housing continues to provide structural strength and protection for internal components.
2Volume of moving object
If a low-profile design is used, then the light fits better in tight workspaces, but structural protection and component security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The light components are nested within a compact housing structure that maintains a low profile. The COB light, battery, electronics, and other components are arranged in a nested configuration within the ABS housing, providing protection while minimizing overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with an ABS housing providing rigid protection for internal components. The housing is designed to be sufficiently strong to protect components while maintaining a low-profile shape factor that allows it to fit in tight workspaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible elastomer material is used, then flexibility and positioning versatility are improved, but structural strength and component protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomer material is used specifically for the living hinges and mat portions where flexibility is needed, while rigid materials are used for the housing and light head components where structural strength is required. This segmentation of materials optimizes both flexibility and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials with appropriate properties are used in different locations: flexible elastomer for hinges requiring bending, rigid ABS housing for component protection, and magnetic materials for attachment surfaces. This local quality assignment ensures each component has the optimal material properties for its specific function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are added for attachment, then adaptability to metal surfaces is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment components are merged into the existing mat structure. The magnets are integrated into the flexible mat material during manufacturing, combining the attachment function with the flexible base structure rather than adding separate attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mat serves multiple functions: it provides structural flexibility for positioning, acts as a base for mounting the light components, and incorporates magnets for attachment to metal surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies manufacturing.
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 mat light provides a lightweight, durable, and versatile lighting solution that can be oriented in multiple positions, attached to surfaces, or carried, making it suitable for tight workspaces and providing protection for the light components.
Implementation Method 1
The mat and base may include magnets to attach the light to a metal surface
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible mat light having a mat and a light. The mat includes a top and a base connected by hinges having at least one living hinge. The top of the mat includes an outer shell adapted to mount the light and protect the light. The mat and base may include magnets to attach the light to a metal surface or when folding the top and base of the mat through the living hinges to place the light in a carrying mode. Due to the flexibility of the mat, the light may be placed in a standing position wherein the light may be directed in multiple positions; or the light may be placed in a carrying mode; or the light may be attached to a metal surface, the low-profile of the light allowing it to be out of the work area; or the light may include a hook for hanging the light near the work area.