Head-Mounted Illumination Device with Zygomatic Light Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-worn illumination devices often require users to wear additional equipment like helmets, which can be cumbersome and limit flexibility in use.
Innovation Solution
A head-worn illumination device with a frame that includes booms positioning light sources near the wearer's zygomatic bones, allowing for directional lighting without the need for a helmet, and incorporating features like adjustable hinged panels, audio communications, and sensor packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing head-worn illumination devices are used, then illumination function is provided, but additional equipment like helmets is required which increases device complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination device with a spectacle frame, merging two functional elements (illumination and eyewear) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate helmets or headgear, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectacle frame serves dual purposes: as eyewear and as the structural base for mounting illumination devices. This multi-functionality approach reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby decreasing device complexity without compromising operational simplicity.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned to provide directional illumination, then illumination intensity in target area is improved, but risk of light-blinding others increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions light sources at specific locations on the spectacle frame (temples or front surface) with orientations directed toward the wearer's field of view. This localized positioning ensures illumination is concentrated where needed while minimizing stray light that could blind others.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning light sources to illuminate forward directly in front of the wearer (which could blind others), the patent positions them at the temples or front surface oriented toward the wearer's eyes, effectively inverting the traditional positioning approach to achieve safer directional illumination.
3Reliability
If frame is made rigid for structural stability, then reliability is improved, but comfort and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs articulated booms with hinge points that allow the frame to articulate and adapt to different head shapes and sizes. This dynamic structure maintains reliability through secure positioning while improving comfort and adjustability, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different areas, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations on the spectacle frame (left and right temples, front surface). Each light source can be independently oriented and controlled, providing versatility for illuminating different areas while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
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 solution provides hands-free illumination that is directional and adjustable, reducing light-blinding of others and allowing for simultaneous illumination of two areas at different color wavelengths, while also supporting image capture, projection, and vital statistics monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) of the illumination device
Implementation Method 2
The light sources may comprise fiber optic cables, which act as waveguides to optically convey light from an illumination source
Data Source
AI summary
Illumination devices as include a frame intended to be worn by a user and one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs) positioned by the frame so as to be near a user's zygomatic bones and oriented to project light in a direction of the user's view when the illumination device is worn on the wearer's head. The frame may be shaped to be worn over the user's ears and behind the user's head, and may be made of one or more of plastic, metal and/or a metal alloy, carbon fiber, wood, cellulose acetate, natural horn and/or bone, leather, and an epoxy resin. An optional strap may be retractably attached to connect portions of the frame over the wearer's head. The LEDs may be included in respective panels swivelly mounted to booms of the frame and the panels may further include imaging devices, such as a camera, and/or a projector.