LED Docking Light Passive Heat Sink and Adjustable Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current watercraft lighting systems face issues with high power consumption, thermal management, and adjustability, leading to unreliable and inefficient illumination for docking, as well as complex and intrusive installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A high-intensity LED-based docking light with a passive heat sink, circuitry for constant current regulation, and adjustable mounting options, designed for reduced power consumption and non-intrusive installation, addressing thermal and electrical variability in small watercraft systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high intensity LEDs are used to provide adequate illumination for docking, then illumination intensity is improved, but thermal management becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive but electrically insulating intermediary material is placed between the LED and the mounting surface to transfer heat away from the LED while preventing electrical short circuits. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling thermal dissipation without compromising electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active thermal management systems with a passive heat dissipation design using thermally conductive materials and optimized mounting structures. This eliminates complex cooling mechanisms while effectively managing the thermal output of high-intensity LEDs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If standard LEDs are used to reduce power consumption, then power draw is reduced, but illumination intensity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key parameters of the LED system including selecting high-efficiency LED types, optimizing forward current and voltage parameters, and adjusting thermal characteristics to maximize luminous output per unit of power consumed. This enables adequate illumination with reduced power draw compared to traditional lighting.
3Illumination intensity
If hull mounted lighting devices are installed to provide docking illumination, then illumination coverage is improved, but installation complexity and intrusiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is segmented into modular components including the LED assembly, mounting bracket, and sealing elements that can be installed separately. This segmentation simplifies installation by allowing step-by-step assembly without requiring complex integrated mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is designed with universal features that allow installation on various hull types and configurations. The adjustable mounting bracket and adaptable sealing mechanisms enable the same device to be installed across different watercraft without requiring custom fabrication or complex installation procedures.
4Illumination intensity
If incandescent lamps are used to provide adequate illumination, then illumination intensity is sufficient, but heat generation compromises sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces incandescent thermal radiation with LED electroluminescence, substituting a thermal-based illumination system with a cold-light emission system. This eliminates the harmful heat generation associated with incandescent lamps while maintaining adequate illumination intensity.
5Adaptability or versatility
If lights are made adjustable to account for varying operator positions and watercraft types, then adaptability is improved, but mounting system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustability features such as adjustable mounting brackets and repositionable LED assemblies that allow the light direction and position to be modified after installation. This provides adaptability for different operator positions and watercraft types without requiring a complex multi-component mounting system.
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 efficient, reliable, and adjustable illumination with reduced maintenance, minimizing power consumption and thermal issues while ensuring easy and secure mounting on watercraft, enhancing safety and efficiency during docking.
Implementation Method 1
the application of light emitting diodes (LEDs) but standard LEDs lack the volume or intensity necessary for adequate illumination
Implementation Method 2
High intensity LEDs would be sufficient to the task but include thermal issues
Implementation Method 3
the base and bezel act as a passive heat sink to distribute the heat generated by the high intensity LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A hull mounted light for illuminating a place of portage to which a watercraft would come to dock. The docking light includes high intensity LED light sources for efficient illumination, an illuminated surface area on the exterior of the apparatus, a combination of circuits that compensates for the irregular operation of the watercrafts electrical system and a method of mounting that allows for adjustment after being operationally verified.