Modular Portable Device With Segmented Viewing And Signalling Modules
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to simultaneously and effectively provide viewing, signalling, and lighting functions in a portable, modular, and ergonomic form that can be used on a person or a means of transport, while also offering protection from impacts and environmental exposure, especially during non-use.
Innovation Solution
A modular portable device with a cylindrical casing that houses and supports separable viewing, signalling, and lighting components, each with independent rotation joints and power supply, allowing for flexible configuration and orientation, and serving as both a grip and attachment element, with a design that includes a protective casing for non-use storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If viewing, signalling and lighting devices are combined in a single fixed structure, then all functions are available simultaneously, but the device becomes bulky and poorly suited for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules (viewing device, signalling device, lighting device) that can be independently attached to and removed from the support structure. Each module can be selectively mounted based on usage requirements, allowing the device to maintain versatility while reducing bulk when not all functions are needed, thereby improving portability.
2Ease of operation
If signalling and lighting devices are always present on the device, then they are ready for use, but they are unnecessarily exposed to impacts and atmospheric agents during daylight hours
Solution Approach 1:
The signalling and lighting devices are designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the support structure rather than fixed permanently. Users can attach these components only when needed for signalling or lighting functions, leaving them detached and protected during daylight hours when they are not required, thus reducing exposure to impacts and atmospheric agents while maintaining readiness when needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple sources of signalling and lighting are provided along the same directrix, then they are easily aligned, but it is not possible to orient them according to incident or angled directrices
Solution Approach 1:
The signalling and lighting sources are segmented into separate modules that can be independently positioned and oriented relative to each other and to the support structure. This modular arrangement allows each component to be oriented according to its specific functional requirements, enabling signals and light to be directed along different directrices including incident or angled orientations, while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized attachment interfaces.
4Device complexity
If the device lacks protective casing for non-use, then it is simple and lightweight, but the apparatus and delicate parts are vulnerable to impact and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective casing is merged with the support structure, forming an integrated design where the support structure itself provides protective enclosure for the delicate components. This combination maintains structural simplicity and avoids adding separate protective elements that would increase complexity and weight, while still providing adequate protection from impact and damage during storage and transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular portable device (4) for viewing, signaling and/or lighting includes a casing (8) suitable for realizing both a container body and a grip or attachment element of the modular portable device (4). At least one viewing device (12) is suitable to reflect an image of the surrounding environment to the modular portable device (4). At least one signaling device (20) emits a beam of light to signal the presence of the modular portable device and/or the user or vehicle supporting the modular portable device (4). The viewing and signaling devices (12, 20) are mechanically separable from one another and mechanically associable and removable to/from the casing (8) independently of each other.