Portable Lighting Device Single-Contact Circuit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable lighting devices face design complexities due to the separation of light sources and control circuits, requiring multiple electrical contacts and complex mechanical parts, which complicates the design and reduces robustness, especially in heavy-duty applications like law enforcement and military use.
Innovation Solution
A portable lighting device design featuring a switched-mode power supply with a high-frequency switch, a lighting device head with a light source, a tail with a user interface, and a DC power source connected via a single electric contact, allowing for simplified circuitry and reduced component count by measuring voltage across a resistor to control the high-frequency switch, eliminating the need for direct current measurement at the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical contacts and complex mechanical parts are used to separate light sources and control circuits, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and control circuit into a single integrated housing structure, eliminating the need for separate compartments and multiple electrical contacts. The control circuit board is directly mounted in the housing and electrically connected to the light source through simplified conductive paths, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, electrical insulation, structural support, and thermal management. The integrated design makes the housing a multi-functional component that replaces several separate parts, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrical contacts are used to connect light source and control circuit, then control precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is directly integrated with the light source assembly, reducing the number of electrical contacts from multiple separate connections to a minimal set of direct solder joints or conductive traces on a single circuit board. This integration maintains precise control while eliminating potential failure points associated with multiple contact interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If complex mechanical parts are used for circuit connection, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical connection systems with electrical circuit board mounting and soldering techniques. The control circuit is electrically connected to the light source through printed circuit board traces rather than mechanical connectors, simplifying both manufacturing and operation while maintaining reliability.
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
This design simplifies the device structure, reduces the number of electrical contacts, and enhances robustness by eliminating complex mechanical parts and signal transmission issues, while maintaining effective current regulation for the light source.
Implementation Method 1
a switched-mode power supply comprising a high frequency switch that is switched at a switching frequency
Implementation Method 2
a high frequency switch that is switched at a switching frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a portable lighting device. The device has a switched-mode power supply, a light source, a high frequency switch, a controller controlling the operation of the light source and a user interface for inputting commands to the controller. A DC power source has a negative pole that is connected by only one single electric contact with the lighting device tail. The method for controlling a portable lighting device includes connecting a DC power source, an inductor, a light source, a high frequency switch and a resistor in series, measuring a voltage across the resistor, and controlling the high frequency switch dependent on the voltage measured across the resistor.