Heated Flashlight Sleeve Layout for Frostbite Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable lights used in cold conditions often cause frostbite to users' hands due to the lack of a heating function.

Innovation Solution

A light with a heating function is designed, comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a light cylinder, a heating sheet, and a sleeve, where the heating sheet is electrically connected to the PCB and positioned between the light cylinder and the sleeve, with a power supply and heating switch connected to the PCB, and a gasket made of EPDM rubber to isolate heat and prevent it from entering the light cylinder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heating sheet is added to the light to provide heating function, then the heating capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating sheet is integrated into the existing light structure by positioning it between the light cylinder and the sleeve, combining the heating function with the existing light components rather than adding a separate heating device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light device is enhanced to perform multiple functions - both illumination and heating - by incorporating the heating sheet that can be independently controlled through the heating switch, allowing the same device to serve dual purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If the heating sheet generates high heat to prevent frostbite, then the heating effect is improved, but the risk of scalding hands increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating effectVSAvoidscalding risk

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A thermistor is integrated into the circuit to provide temperature feedback control, automatically regulating the heating sheet's operation to maintain safe temperature levels and prevent excessive heating that could cause scalding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The thermistor control mechanism is built in advance to prevent temperature from rising to dangerous levels, providing proactive temperature management rather than reactive protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Temperature

If heat is allowed to transfer freely to the outside, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the power supply temperature rises affecting normal discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the light structure are assigned different thermal properties - the heating sheet and sleeve provide thermal conduction for heating efficiency, while the gasket and heating seat create localized thermal barriers to protect the power supply area from excessive heat

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 light effectively generates heat to prevent frostbite by transferring warmth through the sleeve, while the thermistor controls temperature to avoid scalding, ensuring safe and efficient heating.

Implementation Method 1

the heating sheet is supplied with power to generate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the aluminum has good thermal conductivity, which can improve thermal conductivity efficiency of the heating sheet inside the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the gasket is configured to isolate the heat generated by the heating sheet, so as to prevent the heat from entering the interior of the light cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250020319A1Light with a heating function

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 NINGBO BRIGHT ELECTRIC

AI summary

The present utility model relates to a light with a heating function, including a PCB, a light cylinder, a heating sheet, and a sleeve, wherein the heating sheet is electrically connected to the PCB, the sleeve is sheathed outside the light cylinder, and the heating sheet is disposed between the light cylinder and the sleeve; and including a heating switch and a power supply, wherein the power supply and the heating switch are electrically connected to the PCB separately, and the power supply and the PCB are mounted inside the light cylinder. The objective of the present utility model is to provide a light with a heating function, in order to solve a problem that hands are prone to frostbite when portable lights in the prior art are used in cold conditions.