Lantern with Integrated Heater for Combined Lighting and Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Despite various improvements, existing lantern designs lack integration of both effective lighting and heating functionalities in a cohesive and aesthetically appealing manner, particularly for outdoor or decorative purposes.
Innovation Solution
A lantern design incorporating a housing with a distinct lighting section and heating section, where the lighting section is positioned above the heating section, and includes a light source and heater that emit visible light and heat respectively, with the ability to direct heat outward and illuminate a desired area, using a combination of light sources within and outside the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lantern is designed to provide both lighting and heating functionalities, then the versatility and usability of the lantern is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lighting and heating functionalities into a single lantern housing, integrating a light source and heater within the same structure. This merging of functions allows the lantern to serve multiple purposes (illumination and warmth) while maintaining a unified, aesthetically pleasing design rather than requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The lantern is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously provide lighting, heating, and decorative functions. The housing structure accommodates both a light source for illumination and a heater for warmth, making the lantern universally applicable for various indoor and outdoor settings where both functions are needed.
2Shape
If the heater is integrated within the housing, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the heat distribution efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air circulation pathways as intermediaries between the heater and the external environment. These pathways allow heat to be efficiently distributed outward from the housing while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the lantern's exterior design. The air flow acts as a mediator that transfers heat from the enclosed heater to the surrounding space.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure incorporates specific regions optimized for heat distribution, such as strategically positioned apertures or vents in areas that facilitate effective heat flow. This local optimization ensures that heat is distributed efficiently in key directions while the rest of the housing maintains its aesthetic appearance.
3Shape
If the lighting section is positioned above the heating section, then the aesthetic hierarchy is improved, but the heat rise efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs convection currents and air flow mechanisms to compensate for the reduced natural heat rise caused by the lighting section being positioned above the heating section. By introducing controlled air circulation, the system ensures that heat is effectively distributed upward and outward despite the aesthetic requirement for the lighting section to be positioned higher in the housing.
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 lantern provides both illumination and warmth, enhancing usability and aesthetic appeal by allowing for customizable light and heat distribution, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged within the housing so as to be adapted to emit visible light through the lighting section
Implementation Method 2
The heating section may be adapted to direct heat from the heater outward from the lantern in a desired direction. For example, the heater may be a convection heater adapted to blow heated air in that desired direction.
Implementation Method 3
The aperture may include a translucent panel
Data Source
AI summary
A lantern comprises a light source configured to emit visible light, as well as a heater configured to emit heat separate from the visible light of the light source. The lantern may have a housing defining a lighting section and a heating section, with the lighting section being arranged above the heating section. The light source may be positioned in the lighting section, or the light source may be positioned outside of the lighting section and adapted to project visible light at least partially into the lighting section, such as from a base below the lighting section or from a top above the lighting section. The heating section may contain the heater, which may be a convection heater adapted to blow heated air out of the housing in a desired direction. The housing may include a suspension structure for supporting the lantern.