Illuminated Cap with Optical Fiber Strand for Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illuminated caps primarily direct light forward, lacking rearward visibility and offering only low-intensity, non-flashing illumination, posing safety concerns and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated cap design featuring a crown with a forward visor, incorporating a light source assembly with a circuit board, light emitting members, and an elongated flexible optical fiber strand that can be activated to provide both lighting and flashing effects, ensuring visibility and safety by emitting light on both the visor and crown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light emitting members are mounted on the cap to provide illumination, then visibility is improved, but the illumination intensity remains low and lacks flashing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the light emitting members to operate in multiple modes (steady illumination and flashing) through a control circuit. The flashing mode creates dynamic light patterns that enhance visibility and attract attention, transforming a static illumination function into a dynamic warning system that can adapt to different safety needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the flashing mode of the light emitting members. The control circuit enables periodic on-off cycles of the LEDs, creating rhythmic light patterns that are more effective at capturing attention than continuous illumination. This periodic action enhances the warning function of the cap without requiring additional components.
2Illumination intensity
If light is directed only to the front for illumination, then forward visibility is improved, but rearward visibility is lost creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing light emitting members at multiple locations on the cap including the front visor, rear visor, and crown. This spatial distribution creates different lighting zones: forward-facing LEDs illuminate the path ahead, while rear-facing LEDs provide visibility to approaching vehicles from behind. Each location serves its specific safety function, addressing both forward illumination and rearward warning needs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional forward illumination to three-dimensional omnidirectional visibility by placing light emitting members on multiple surfaces of the cap (front, rear, and top). This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that light is emitted in various directions, making the wearer visible from all angles and eliminating the blind spot problem of front-only illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flashlight clip is added to the cap for hands-free illumination, then functionality is improved, but the illumination performance remains poor and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple light emitting members that serve different purposes: some LEDs provide forward illumination for walking, others provide rearward visibility for safety, and the flashing mode provides warning capability. This multi-functional light system replaces the need for separate flashlight equipment while delivering superior overall performance in illumination, visibility, and safety warning.
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
Enhances safety by providing comprehensive illumination and visibility to surrounding persons and vehicles, both forward and rearward, through the use of light emitting members and optical fiber strands, improving both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
An elongated flexible optical fiber strand is disposed on at least one of the visor and the crown and has both ends electrically connected to the at least one light emitting member
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated cap includes a crown having a visor, with a folding member on an inner surface of the crown proximate an ear portion thereof. A light source assembly includes a circuit board, two light emitting members connected to the circuit board, a switch on the circuit board, and at least one cell mounted on the circuit board. A receiving assembly, with the circuit board mounted therein, is fastened on the crown by the folding member which is adapted to separate the head of a wearer from the receiving assembly. A flexible optical fiber strand is disposed on the visor and/or along at least one stitch of the crown and has both ends electrically connected to the light emitting members respectively. The light emitting members (e.g., LEDs) are adapted to light or flash for warning surrounding persons or vehicles.