Multi-Spectrum Lighting Device with Tactile Feedback Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current strobe lights and signaling devices lack mechanisms that provide tactile feedback upon activation, risking accidental activation in incorrect modes, which can be life-threatening, especially in military and law enforcement operations where visibility and secrecy are critical.

Innovation Solution

A multi-spectrum lighting device with a switching mechanism that requires simultaneous activation of at least two switching elements to change emitting modes, providing tactile feedback through a motor or vibration mechanism to ensure correct activation, and is designed to prevent accidental activation by large objects or surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single switch is used to activate the lighting device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of accidental activation in incorrect modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of activationVSAvoidactivation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single switch is divided into multiple independent switching elements (first switch and second switch) that must be activated simultaneously. This segmentation prevents accidental activation while maintaining ease of use through a simple simultaneous press action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A tactile feedback mechanism (vibrator or motor) provides immediate sensory confirmation when the correct switching combination is activated. This feedback ensures the user knows the device has been properly activated in the intended mode, eliminating ambiguity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple switching elements are required for activation, then the reliability is improved by preventing accidental activation, but the ease of operation is worsened due to increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation accuracyVSAvoidease of activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple switching elements are combined into a single operational action - pressing both switches simultaneously with one hand. This merging of controls maintains simplicity and ease of operation while achieving the reliability benefits of multiple switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tactile feedback mechanism automatically confirms proper activation without requiring the user to visually check or interpret complex signals. The system self-verifies the correct mode is activated through intuitive tactile sensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If no tactile feedback is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is worsened due to inability to confirm correct mode activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanism simplicityVSAvoidmode confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the device is made visible for emergency signaling, then the usefulness is improved for identification purposes, but the secrecy is worsened for clandestine operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling capabilityVSAvoidvisibility exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device incorporates multiple light sources across different spectrums (visible and non-visible) that can be selectively activated. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve both clandestine marking operations and emergency visible signaling needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically switches between different operating modes (non-visible spectrum for secrecy, visible spectrum for emergency signaling) based on user input. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to respond to changing operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures positive and safe activation of emitting modes, providing users with tactile confirmation of the device's status and mode changes, reducing the risk of compromising operations due to incorrect activation.

Implementation Method 1

providing tactile feedback through a motor or vibration mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10024527B2Multi-spectrum lighting device with plural switches and tactile feedback

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 S&S PRECISION LLC

AI summary

A lighting device including one or more emitters configured to emit a first spectrum and a second spectrum; a switching mechanism with at least two switching elements configured to change an emitted light from a first spectrum to a second spectrum, and to change a blink pattern of emitted light; a feedback mechanism configured to provide tactile feedback when the illumination device is activated or deactivated, or when a mode of operation is changed; a translucent unitary housing extending substantially upward and inward from a base of the device; and a power source received in the housing. The first spectrum may be a non-visible light spectrum and the second spectrum may be visible light spectrum.