Heated Flashlight Sleeve With Thermal Isolation for Cold Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable lights used in cold conditions often cause users' hands to suffer from frostbite 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 function is added to the portable light, then the user's hands are protected from frostbite in cold conditions, but the internal components (power supply) may be affected by excessive heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand temperatureVSAvoidpower supply operation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light device is divided into distinct functional zones: a heating zone (sleeve with heating sheet) and a power zone (light cylinder with power supply). The gasket acts as a thermal barrier separating these zones, allowing the heating function to operate independently without affecting the power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A gasket made of heat-resistant material (EPDM rubber) is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating sheet and the light cylinder. This gasket blocks heat transmission to the power supply while allowing the heating function to operate effectively on the user's hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a gasket is added to isolate heat, then the power supply is protected from heat, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply operationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible gasket made of EPDM rubber is used to isolate heat. This thin film component effectively blocks heat transmission while adding minimal structural complexity and maintaining a compact device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket is made of composite material (EPDM rubber) that combines heat resistance with flexibility and sealing properties, achieving multiple functions in a single component that minimizes overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Temperature

If the heating sheet generates high heat, then frostbite is prevented, but the user's hands may be scalded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand temperatureVSAvoidhand scalding

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A thermistor is integrated into the heating circuit to provide temperature feedback. The control system monitors the temperature and adjusts the heating power accordingly, preventing excessive heat generation that could cause scalding while maintaining sufficient heat to prevent frostbite.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system dynamically adjusts the heating parameter (power output) based on temperature feedback from the thermistor. This allows the system to maintain optimal temperature for preventing frostbite without exceeding safe temperature thresholds that could cause scalding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 transfers heat to the user's hands through the sleeve, preventing frostbite while maintaining the light's operational integrity by isolating heat with the gasket, and using thermistor for temperature control to avoid scalding.

Implementation Method 1

the heating sheet is supplied with power to generate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the heat is transferred to the outside of the light through the sleeve

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

Implementation Method 4

the PCB is electrically connected with a thermistor, which is placed on the gasket. the thermistor is used for controlling the temperature of the heating sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal resistance: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP4492914A1A light with a heating function

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 NINGBO BRIGHT ELECTRIC

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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.