Flexible Neon LED Nightlight With Sound-Responsive Color Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional nightlights lack the ability to dynamically vary light color and intensity based on ambient sound and provide a flexible, illuminated image using a flexible neon LED strip.
Innovation Solution
A nightlight incorporating a flexible neon LED strip within a support frame configured in the shape of an image, which emits light corresponding to the image and can vary color and intensity based on a switch, remote control, or ambient sound, using a sound transducer to produce electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional incandescent bulbs or LEDs are used in nightlights, then the device provides basic illumination, but it lacks the ability to dynamically vary light color and intensity based on ambient sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light color and intensity adjustable and responsive to ambient sound. The flexible neon LED strip can change its emission characteristics dynamically based on sound levels detected by the sound transducer, transforming a static nightlight into an adaptive device that responds to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound transducer provides feedback about ambient sound levels to the control circuit, which then adjusts the light output accordingly. This feedback loop enables the nightlight to automatically adapt its illumination based on the acoustic environment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by using a straightforward sensor-actuator relationship.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible neon LED strip is used to form an illuminated image, then the nightlight provides customizable imaging, but it increases device complexity compared to traditional nightlights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible neon LED strip that can be bent and shaped into various image configurations. This flexible lighting element replaces rigid traditional structures, allowing customizable image formation while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of a single adaptable component rather than multiple fixed elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible neon LED strip serves multiple functions: it provides illumination, forms images, and can be configured in various shapes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, thereby increasing adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the support frame has a C-shaped or arcuate cross-section to receive the flexible neon LED strip, then the LED strip is securely positioned, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped or arcuate cross-section of the support frame is designed to accommodate the flexible nature of the neon LED strip. This curved profile allows the rigid support frame to interface effectively with the flexible LED strip, securing it in position while maintaining manufacturability through standard bending and forming processes for metal or plastic frames.
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 nightlight provides dynamic light adjustment and illuminates an area with a flexible, customizable image, enhancing user experience and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible neon LED strip may be coupled to the main circuit for receiving an electrical current... when energized emits light corresponding to the image
Implementation Method 2
A sound transducer may produce an electrical signal as a function of an ambient sound
Data Source
AI summary
A nightlight including a base and an electrical prong secured to the base and adapted to be inserted into an electrical outlet is disclosed. A main circuit is coupled to the electrical prong and contained within the base. A flexible neon LED strip is coupled to the main circuit for receiving an electrical current. A support frame is configured in the shape of an image wherein the support frame has an arcuate shaped cross-section or a C-shaped cross-section sized to receive the flexible neon LED strip. The flexible neon LED strip is positioned along the support frame whereby the flexible neon LED strip when energized emits light corresponding to the image and illuminates an area adjacent the night light. A sound transducer may produce an electrical signal as a function of an ambient sound. The flexible neon LED strip may comprise an RGB LED, an RGB IC, or a solid color LED to produce different colors of light. The main circuit may vary the color of the emitted light that is produced by the flexible neon LED strip as a function of a switch, a remote control, or the ambient sound. The support frame may comprise a back wall and a plurality of side walls where the back wall is translucent or transparent and where the flexible neon LED strip may emit light out of a front surface and a back surface of the flexible neon LED strip. Alternatively, the support frame may comprise an arcuate cross-section where the back wall is translucent or transparent and where the flexible neon LED strip is cylindrical and may emit light out of a front surface and a back surface or all surfaces of the flexible neon LED strip.