Self-contained Illumination Device Automatic Arming Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination systems for temporary use are often bulky, heavy, and require time-consuming individual arming of chemiluminescent devices, limited by the need for external power sources and lengthy electric cabling.
Innovation Solution
Self-contained illumination devices that automatically transition from an inoperative to operative state upon deployment, using either internal power sources or chemiluminescent reactions, eliminating the need for external wiring and enabling quick, efficient setup without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional portable illumination equipment is used for temporary illumination, then illumination can be provided without external power, but the equipment becomes bulky and heavy to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple individual illumination devices that can be deployed separately, each containing its own power source or chemiluminescent elements, eliminating the need for a single large portable power system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable chemiluminescent illumination devices that do not require rechargeable batteries or external power connections, providing lightweight temporary illumination without the weight penalty of reusable power systems
2Use of energy by moving object
If chemiluminescent devices are used for temporary illumination, then external power sources are eliminated, but deployment becomes time-consuming due to individual arming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination devices are pre-loaded into the housing in an inoperative state with all necessary components prepared, so that deployment simply requires activating the mechanism to eject them, eliminating the need for individual arming operations
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination devices automatically activate upon deployment from the housing through the arming device, eliminating the need for manual intervention to arm each device individually
3Reliability
If electric wiring is used to connect illumination devices to power source, then reliable power supply is achieved, but the installation becomes semi-permanent and limited by cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent illumination devices without interconnecting wiring, allowing each device to be placed independently at various locations without being constrained by cable length or routing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The use of disposable battery-powered or chemiluminescent illumination devices eliminates the need for permanent electrical infrastructure, allowing flexible temporary installation anywhere without wiring constraints
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
Enables rapid, lightweight, and efficient temporary illumination, suitable for applications where permanent power sources are unavailable, with devices remaining operational for extended periods and adaptable for various marking and directional purposes.
Implementation Method 1
chemiluminescent device and the arming device removes a barrier between chemical reagents within the device, which reagents when mixed produce light
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for deploying one or more illumination devices. The or each illumination device is self-contained and has a first state in which it is inoperative and a second state in which it is operative to provide illumination at at least one frequency within the range from and including infrared to and including ultraviolet. The method comprises the steps, optionally repeated at intervals, of: actuating a mechanism to move a said illumination device from a housing storing one or more illumination devices to an exposed position outside the housing; and automatically changing the state of the illumination device from its first state to its second state as a direct result of movement of the illumination device from within the housing to the exposed position.