Multi-Functional Illuminator With Removable Optic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directional illuminators like flashlights are inadequate for providing uniform hemispherical illumination or 360° visibility, limiting their use in tasks such as room illumination and signaling, and require multiple devices for different functions, increasing weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional illuminator with a removably attachable optic that redirects the directional light beam to produce alternate light patterns, including a 360° beam and hemispherical distribution, using a combination of optical techniques like total internal reflection, reflection, and diffusing optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a directional illuminator is used to provide concentrated light beam, then the illumination intensity in a specific direction is improved, but the ability to illuminate a room or provide 360° visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable optic assembly that can dynamically change the light emission pattern. The optic includes a reflective surface that can be rotated to redirect the light beam between a directional concentrated pattern and a hemispherical distributed pattern, allowing the same device to adapt to different illumination requirements without carrying multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device. By incorporating an optic assembly with reflective surfaces that can redirect light in different patterns, the device can serve as both a directional flashlight and a room illuminator, and even function as a signaling device with 360° visibility, eliminating the need for multiple separate illuminating devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illuminating devices are carried to cover different situations, then the adaptability for different tasks is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple illuminating functions into a single device. The core illuminator combines a light source with an optic assembly that can produce different light patterns (directional, hemispherical, 360°), allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate flashlights and signaling devices, thereby reducing weight and cost while maintaining functional versatility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an opaque hood is used to restrict lateral visibility for covert applications, then the covert capability is improved, but the ability to provide 360° visibility or illuminate rooms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotatable optic assembly that can dynamically change the light emission pattern. The optic includes a reflective surface that can be rotated to redirect the light beam between a directional concentrated pattern and a hemispherical distributed pattern, allowing the same device to adapt to different illumination requirements without carrying multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The optic assembly is designed with specific reflective surfaces positioned at particular locations and orientations. These surfaces are strategically placed to redirect light in specific directions (forward for directional mode, upward for room illumination, or laterally for 360° signaling), providing localized light control that allows the device to switch between covert and signaling functions as needed
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
Enables a single device to perform various tasks effectively, reducing the need for multiple illuminators and minimizing weight and cost, while providing versatile lighting options for covert and signal applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optic removably attachable to the illuminator about the face for intersecting the directional light beam and redirecting the directional light beam towards a plane perpendicular to the beam axis
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of optical techniques like total internal reflection, reflection, and diffusing optics
Implementation Method 3
using a combination of optical techniques like total internal reflection, reflection, and diffusing optics
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional illuminator comprising a directional illuminator and a removably attachable optic. The directional illuminator is typified by a flashlight projecting light forward to illuminate an object in front of the flashlight. The present invention discloses an optic removably attached to the directional illuminator intersecting and redistributing the light emitted by the directional illuminator to provide illumination satisfactory for tasks not achievable with the directional light beam. The optic employs reflection, refracting and/or diffusing optics to efficiently redirect the light. The optic can be designed so that the redirected light is distributed throughout the hemisphere, concentrated about a plane perpendicular to the axis of the directed light beam or to effect any one of a plurality of possible illumination patterns. If the directional illuminator comprises a covert design minimizing its lateral visibility, the optic can change this characteristic making it highly laterally visible.