Illumination assemblies using magnetic attachment and activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination systems for vessels and objects require permanent embedding of light sources and electronics, which increases manufacturing costs, limits design aesthetics, and makes replacement difficult, while also being susceptible to damage from normal use.
Innovation Solution
A separable illumination assembly using magnetic connections to attach and activate a light source, eliminating the need for permanent electronics and allowing for easy attachment, detachment, and rotation to control the light source, thus reducing the risk of damage and enhancing user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light sources and electronics are permanently embedded in a vessel, then the illumination function is stable and reliable, but manufacturing costs increase and the vessel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into two separate components: a permanent magnetic element embedded in the vessel and a separable light assembly. This segmentation allows the vessel to maintain its simple structure while the light assembly contains all necessary electronic components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary force to establish the functional connection between the vessel and the light assembly. The magnetic attraction provides both attachment and electrical contact without requiring permanent structural integration, thereby maintaining vessel simplicity while ensuring reliable illumination.
2Reliability
If light sources and electronics are permanently embedded in a vessel, then the illumination function is stable, but manufacturing costs and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the illumination components from the vessel structure, the manufacturing process for the vessel is simplified and can be performed using standard techniques. The light assembly is manufactured separately as a modular unit, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining illumination reliability through standardized component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly is designed as a universal module that can be attached to different vessels through magnetic coupling. This multi-functionality allows the same illumination unit to serve multiple purposes and be used with various vessel types, thereby reducing per-unit manufacturing costs through component standardization.
3Reliability
If light sources are permanently embedded in a vessel, then the illumination function is stable, but the vessel cannot be used without the embedded features and replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The separable design allows the light assembly to be detached from the vessel, enabling the vessel to be used in its original unilluminated state or with different light assemblies. This segmentation provides usage flexibility while maintaining illumination stability when the light assembly is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanent embedding to a dynamic attachable configuration. The light assembly can be attached when illumination is needed and detached when not needed, providing adaptive versatility while ensuring stable illumination function during use through consistent magnetic coupling.
4Device complexity
If mechanical attachment mechanisms are used for lighting features, then the structure is simple, but the electrical connections are complex and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment mechanism is merged with the electrical contact function. The same magnetic force that attaches the light assembly to the vessel also ensures proper alignment and contact of the electrical terminals, simplifying the overall structure while improving electrical connection reliability through force-aligned contact.
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 magnetic connection system reduces manufacturing costs, allows for easy replacement and customization of light assemblies, and protects the light source from damage, while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the vessel or object.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetically coupling the light assembly with the article, via the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, electrically couples the first electrical contact with the second electrical contact
Data Source
AI summary
In a general aspect, an illumination assembly includes an article including a body having a first magnetic element with at least one electrically conductive surface. The illumination assembly also includes a light assembly including a housing, a second magnetic element, a light source, and a power source. A first terminal of the light source is electrically connected with a first terminal of the power source. The light assembly also includes a first electrical contact disposed on the housing and electrically coupled with a second terminal of the light source. The light assembly also includes a second electrical contact disposed on the housing and electrically coupled with a second terminal of the power source. Magnetically coupling the light assembly with the article, via the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, electrically couples the first electrical contact with the second electrical contact to energize the light source.