Folding Worklight with Retractable Hook and Elastic Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional worklights, including incandescent, fluorescent, and LED types, face issues such as fragility, fire hazards, instability, limited mounting options, and interference from rigid hooks, which restrict their use in various settings like automotive and construction environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable worklight design featuring a center core with rotatable panels, an elastic band attachment mechanism, and a retractable hook allows for flexible mounting on multiple surfaces and angles, enhancing stability and safety by reducing the risk of damage and fire hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid hook is used for mounting the worklight, then the hook can engage with objects, but the hook interferes with nearby objects and can be damaged during use and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hook retractable rather than rigid and fixed. The hook can extend when needed for engagement with mounting objects and retract when not in use, eliminating interference with nearby objects and reducing damage risk during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by designing the hook to be stored within or alongside the worklight body when not in use. The retractable hook mechanism allows the hook to be nested within the overall structure, minimizing its presence when not needed for mounting.
2Temperature
If conventional LED stick lights are used, then the light source operates at lower temperature, but the small base causes instability when placed on flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the worklight into separate functional components: a center core housing the LED light source and battery, and detachable mounting mechanisms (including the retractable hook and elastic band). This segmentation allows the mounting function to be enhanced independently of the light source temperature characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an elastic band as an intermediary mounting mechanism between the worklight and the support surface. This elastic band provides additional stability and mounting flexibility independent of the LED operating temperature, allowing the worklight to be securely attached to various surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If a magnet is used to mount the LED stick light, then mounting is simple, but the light can be mounted to only one surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by providing multiple mounting mechanisms (retractable hook for hanging, elastic band for wrapping around objects, and magnet for surface attachment). Each mechanism serves different mounting needs and surfaces, making the worklight universally mountable on various surfaces including ceilings, walls, and horizontal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by making the mounting mechanism adjustable and adaptable. The retractable hook can engage with different types of objects, the elastic band can stretch to accommodate different object sizes and shapes, and the magnet can attach to various magnetic surfaces, providing dynamic adaptability to multiple mounting scenarios.
4Ease of operation
If the lens/transparent cover is exposed during storage, then access to the light is easy, but the lens can be damaged during storage or use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the worklight with a protective cover or housing that automatically protects the lens during storage and transport. The mounting mechanisms are designed to secure the worklight in positions that minimize exposure of the lens to potential damage, proactively preventing damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating protective elements around the lens area. The retractable hook and elastic band mounting mechanisms are designed to secure the worklight in protected positions, and the overall housing structure provides cushioning and protection for the lens during handling and storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A worklight includes a center core comprising an inner cavity, a first panel coupled to the center core, in which the first panel comprises at least one first LED module, and a second panel coupled to the center core opposite the first panel, in which the second panel comprises at least one second LED module. The worklight further includes a hanger comprising a core guide rod and an outer molding. The core guide rod comprises a shaft portion extending within the inner cavity at a distal end and a hook portion bent at an approximately 90° angle to the shaft portion. The hook portion is disposed within the outer molding, and the outer molding comprises a plurality of detents on a bottom surface. The plurality of detents are configured to hang the worklight in a plurality of angles.