Lamp Assembly With Retractable Tape For Precise Light Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing free-standing lamp assemblies struggle to accurately project light onto specific items on desks or tables, especially when items extend over a large surface area or when other items are present, making it difficult to change the light's position.
Innovation Solution
A lamp assembly featuring a retractable coiled metallic tape with an arcuate cross-section, supported by a spool housing and a carriage member, allowing the light source to be precisely positioned at various heights and angles without relocating the lamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lamp assembly uses a fixed position design, then the structure is simple and stable, but the light source cannot be adjusted to illuminate different areas on the desk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed light source into a movable one through a retractable tape mechanism. The light source is mounted on a tape that can be extended and retracted, allowing dynamic repositioning of the light beam to illuminate different areas on the desk while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by adding the vertical dimension to the light source positioning. Instead of only horizontal movement on the desk surface, the retractable tape allows the light source to move vertically away from and toward the desk, creating a three-dimensional positioning capability that enhances adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the lamp assembly allows easy repositioning of the entire lamp, then the light can reach different areas, but it becomes difficult when items extend over substantial surface area or when other items are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the light source from the lamp base and support structure. The light source is mounted on a retractable tape that can be independently extended and positioned, allowing the lighting function to be decoupled from the structural support, thereby enabling easy repositioning of just the light source without moving the entire lamp assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable tape serves as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed lamp base and the movable light source. This intermediate element allows the light source to be repositioned independently of the base, providing ease of operation while maintaining structural stability, and enabling precise illumination of specific items regardless of desk clutter.
3Measurement precision
If the light source is made adjustable on a retractable tape, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible tape instead of rigid mechanical linkages or complex actuation systems. The retractable tape provides a simple, flexible medium that can be easily extended and retracted to achieve precise light source positioning. This flexible approach reduces device complexity compared to traditional rigid mechanical positioning systems while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A lamp assembly comprises an upstanding post whose lower end is supported by a bae member. A carriage member is supported by and moveable relative to the upstanding post to enable the height of the carriage member above the base member to be varied. A spool which houses a coiled metallic tape of arcuate cross-section is supported by the post and a light source is located at or towards the end of the metallic tape remote from said carriage member.