Lamp With Offset Support For Complex Light Patterns
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamps with moving illumination patterns for infants and children are limited by the need for complex non-linear or circular movements, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lamp design featuring a motor-driven rotor with an offset support allowing the light source to rotate about a second axis non-parallel to the first, constrained by a tethering system, enabling movement in two degrees of freedom for a single degree of actuation, and a controller unit to actuate the motor and light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex non-linear or circular movements are implemented to enhance distraction capabilities, then the distraction effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second rotational axis that is non-parallel and offset from the first rotational axis. This dimensional change transforms the light source movement from simple linear or circular motion (one degree of freedom) to complex three-dimensional motion (two degrees of freedom), enhancing distraction effectiveness while using a relatively simple mechanical structure with only one motor.
Solution Approach 2:
A single motor simultaneously performs multiple functions: it rotates the rotor about the first axis, which through the offset support mechanism, generates rotation about the second non-parallel axis. This multi-functionality achieves complex light movement patterns without requiring multiple motors or complex control systems, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors or complex mechanisms are used to achieve non-linear light movement, then the movement complexity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a second rotational axis that is non-parallel and offset from the first axis, the system achieves complex three-dimensional light movement using only one motor. The offset support structure transforms the single-axis rotation into two-axis motion, providing movement complexity equivalent to multiple motors but at lower manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset support acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the light source. It converts the simple rotation about the first axis into complex motion about two non-parallel axes, serving as a mechanical transformer that achieves multi-degree-of-freedom movement without requiring multiple actuators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is constrained to rotate about a second non-parallel axis, then the movement pattern complexity is improved, but the mechanical constraint system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offset support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the light source, provides the second rotational axis, and constrains the light source motion. This multi-functionality achieves complex movement patterns without requiring separate constraint mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
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 design provides a cost-effective solution for creating complex, non-orbital, non-cyclic light movements, enhancing distraction capabilities while maintaining a low manufacturing price point.
Implementation Method 1
a motor; a rotor driven by the motor to rotate about a first rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
having an offset support defining a second rotational axis that is not parallel to the first rotational axis and that is offset from the first rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
A lamp comprises a motor having a shaft. A rotor is driven by the shaft to rotate about a first rotational axis and having an offset support defining a second rotational axis that is not parallel to the first rotational axis and that is offset from the first rotational axis. A light source is mounted to the offset support so as to rotate about the second rotational axis, the light source having one or more lights. A system constrains movement of the light source relative to the second rotational axis when the rotor rotates about the first rotational axis. A controller unit actuates the motor and the light source.