Lighted Ring with Chamfered Light Transmission Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat surface illumination solutions fail to provide effective lighting for identifying posts and walkways in low lighting conditions, lacking adequate illumination and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A lighted ring system comprising a cylindrical light transmission module with a light source, mounting ring, and cap, which can be securely attached to a post, using a combination of LEDs or incandescent lighting powered by a replaceable or rechargeable battery, providing illumination through a chamfered design for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lighted module is added to a post structure, then illumination intensity and visibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmission module is nested within the mounting ring structure, with the light source housed inside the module. This nested arrangement integrates multiple components (mounting ring, light transmission module, light source, cap) into a compact assembly that attaches to the post without requiring separate mounting brackets or complex external structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mounting function (mounting ring with flange and set screws) and the illumination function (light transmission module with light source) into a single integrated assembly. The flange of the mounting ring serves both as a structural mounting element and as part of the light transmission path, merging structural and optical functions.
2Illumination intensity
If a light transmission module with chamfer is used, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfer is applied only to the bottom edge of the light transmission module where light exits, rather than to the entire module. This localized application of the chamfer feature concentrates the precision requirement to a specific area that most directly affects light distribution, while other parts of the module can be manufactured with standard tolerances.
3Reliability
If multiple set screws are used to secure the mounting ring, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange of the mounting ring serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the set screws, acts as a structural support element, and forms part of the light transmission path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, allowing reliable attachment without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Illumination intensity
If a transparent flange is used for light transmission, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but water resistance becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The cap acts as a sealing shell that encloses the light source and electrical components, protecting them from water intrusion. The cap can be made of transparent or translucent material to maintain light transmission while providing environmental protection, effectively decoupling the optical function from the sealing function.
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 improved visibility of boat surfaces and walkways in low light conditions, enhancing safety and aesthetics by ensuring posts are easily identifiable and walkways are illuminated, while being water-resistant and easy to install.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may be a plurality of discrete LED lamps which are spaced apart
Implementation Method 2
The light source provides illumination of an area adjacent the post through the chamfer
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted ring for a post comprising a mounting ring securable on a column of the post, the column extending upwardly from a post base, a cylindrical light transmission module securable to the mounting ring and a light source disposed adjacent the light module. The light source provides illumination of an area adjacent the post through the chamfer. The light transmission module may include an inner wall, a catch spaced axially outward from the inner wall the catch having an inwardly facing protrusion along an upper portion of the catch, a groove extending the entire circumference of the light transmission module between the inner wall and the catch, an outer wall spaced axially outward from the catch and a chamfer along a bottom edge of the light transmission module and a light module slot extending along a portion of the inner wall.