LED Dent Repair Light with Ball-and-Socket Neck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paintless dent repair (PDR) technologies face challenges with cumbersome and damaging light sources, particularly for non-vehicular applications, as they are often large, clumsy, and difficult to position accurately, leading to inefficiencies and risks of damaging the work surface.
Innovation Solution
A portable LED light module with parallel LED strips supported by a non-marring tray and secured by a suction cup, featuring a ball and socket neck for precise positioning and a diffuser panel for focused illumination, allowing for rapid light-to-dark transitions and adjustable spacing without damaging the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional light sources are used for paintless dent repair, then illumination is provided, but the light sources are large, clumsy, and difficult to position accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple separate LED modules that can be independently positioned and oriented. Each module contains its own light-emitting elements and can be separately adjusted, allowing precise positioning of illumination areas without moving a large cumbersome light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED modules are designed to be dynamically repositionable on the vehicle surface using suction cups and adjustable mounting mechanisms. The system transitions from static large light sources to dynamic, easily repositionable modules that can adapt to different dent locations and angles.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional light sources are used for paintless dent repair, then illumination is provided, but the light sources risk damaging the work surface
Solution Approach 1:
The LED modules are enclosed in flexible, thin-walled housings that can conform to the vehicle surface without creating hard edges or protrusions that might damage the paint. The flexible construction allows the light source to gently contact and follow the surface contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive LED modules that can be easily replaced if damaged, and the modular design allows individual modules to be substituted without replacing the entire light source system, reducing overall cost and complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple LED strips are used, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED strips are combined into integrated modules where the electrical connections, mounting structures, and housing are pre-assembled as single units. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED modules are designed with universal mounting features and power connections that allow the same module design to be used in multiple positions and configurations. The modules can serve multiple functions including illumination, positioning reference, and surface contouring.
4Ease of operation
If the light source is made portable, then ease of operation is improved, but weight may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable light system is segmented into multiple lightweight LED modules that can be individually handled and positioned. Each module contains only the essential components (LEDs, minimal housing, suction cup) needed for portability, distributing the total weight across multiple small units rather than one heavy unit.
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 solution provides a lightweight, non-marring LED light module that can be easily positioned and adjusted, reducing the need for frequent repositioning and minimizing the risk of surface damage, while offering precise illumination for effective PDR on various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The light may be attached directly upon a work surface, such as a vehicle body, through the use of a suction cup
Implementation Method 2
A portable LED light module with parallel LED strips supported by a non-marring tray and secured by a suction cup, featuring a ball and socket neck for precise positioning
Implementation Method 3
A portable LED light module with parallel LED strips supported by a non-marring tray and secured by a suction cup, featuring a ball and socket neck for precise positioning and a diffuser panel for focused illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A paintless dent removal LED light module has a plurality of selectively illuminated LED strips. There is a small gap between a generally planar diffuser panel and the LED strips, so an image formed upon the diffuser panel has parallel bright strips separated by dark regions. The LED strips are supported upon a tray bottom surface, the tray also having a circumferential and vertically rising side wall, and a lip defining a second plane generally parallel with but displaced from the tray bottom. The diffuser panel rests upon the lip, and is secured by a band having an elastomeric exterior. The tray bottom may incorporate one or more ribs to provide additional strength and rigidity. A power supply has an entirely non-marring exterior with a supporting suction cup. A ball and socket neck having an entirely non-marring exterior mechanically and electrically couples the PDR light to the power supply.