Lithium Battery Powered Portable Heating and Lighting Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable heating and lighting units that rely on combustible fuels pose challenges such as frequent refueling needs and indoor air pollution risks, especially in remote locations where fuel replenishment is inconvenient or impossible, and there is a lack of a compact, easy-to-replace alternative electric energy source.
Innovation Solution
A high capacity, high charge rate lithium secondary cell battery is used as a supplemental or alternative energy source for portable heating and lighting units, allowing them to operate partially or fully on electric power, reducing the need for combustible fuels and minimizing carbon monoxide risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If portable heating and lighting units use combustible fuel sources, then they can operate independently of electrical infrastructure, but they require frequent refueling and generate indoor air pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from combustible fuel to rechargeable battery power, eliminating carbon monoxide emissions and indoor air pollution while maintaining portable operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical combustion system with an electrical power system using rechargeable batteries, replacing the fuel combustion mechanism with electric power delivery to heating and lighting elements
2Ease of operation
If portable heating and lighting units use combustible fuel sources, then they can provide heat and light in remote locations, but they require frequent refueling which is inconvenient or impossible in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through rechargeable batteries that can be recharged from available electrical sources, eliminating the need for manual fuel refilling operations and extending operational duration between charges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power system universal by using rechargeable batteries that can be charged from various electrical sources (wall outlets, generators, solar panels), allowing the device to operate in diverse locations without being constrained by fuel availability
3Reliability
If electric generators are used to provide power during outages, then heating and lighting can continue, but they are inconvenient to operate, require gas fuel that may be unavailable, and pose safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable or rechargeable battery cells that can be easily replaced or recharged, eliminating the complexity and safety hazards of gasoline-powered generators while maintaining reliable power supply for heating and lighting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power source from the generator system and places it directly into the portable heating and lighting unit in the form of rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for separate generator operation and fuel handling
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 lithium battery provides a reliable, compact, and safe source of energy for extended periods, reducing fuel consumption and indoor air pollution hazards, enabling continued heating and lighting during power outages or in remote settings.
Implementation Method 1
a high capacity lithium secondary cell battery with a high charge rate
Implementation Method 2
heating units...derive at least a portion of its operating or accessory power from an electric source
Implementation Method 3
lighting units...derive at least a portion of its operating or accessory power from an electric source
Data Source
AI summary
A portable combined heating and lighting unit comprising a first element and a second element for generating thermal or light energy, and a component to convert thermal or light energy into electricity. The first element generates thermal or light energy from combustion of fuel. The second element generates thermal or light energy from electricity.