Orb-shaped lens disperses light rays for 270° uniform illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard flashlights struggle to simultaneously illuminate areas in front of and to the sides of the user, creating shadows and glare due to their flat or curvilinear lenses, which limits visibility in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electric illuminating device with an orb-shaped lens that disperses light rays in a 270° arc of uniform light, softening illumination and reducing shadows by using a globe-shaped lens with a uniform thickness, combined with a reflector and a power supply system that includes a switch for regulating light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a standard flashlight with flat or curvilinear lens is used, then the device structure is simple, but the light distribution is narrow and creates shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spherical lens instead of flat or curvilinear lenses to achieve uniform light distribution in multiple directions. The spherical geometry naturally disperses light rays evenly across a 270-degree arc, eliminating the shadow problems associated with conventional lens shapes while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the traditional linear light path (forward only) to a three-dimensional light distribution pattern. The spherical lens redirects light rays in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, providing illumination to the front, sides, and ground level, effectively adding dimensional coverage without complicating the device architecture.
2Illumination intensity
If a standard flashlight illuminates a narrow region in front of the user, then the device structure is simple, but the visibility around the feet and obstacles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical lens geometry inherently provides omnidirectional light scattering, illuminating areas directly in front of the user as well as lateral regions and ground level. This single geometric solution replaces the need for multiple light sources or complex multi-directional beam shaping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical lens performs multiple illumination functions simultaneously: it provides forward visibility, lateral awareness, and ground-level obstacle detection. This single optical element replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized lighting components, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If a standard flashlight with concentrated light beam is used, then the energy efficiency is high, but the glare and shadow problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical lens geometry naturally diffuses concentrated light rays into a uniform 270-degree arc distribution. This geometric diffusion eliminates the harsh glare and sharp shadows characteristic of focused beams while maintaining overall illumination efficiency through the symmetric light scattering pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the angular distribution parameter of light emission from a narrow concentrated beam to a wide 270-degree arc. This parameter transformation, achieved through the spherical lens, converts high-intensity directional illumination into uniform distributed illumination, reducing glare and shadow formation while maintaining total light output.
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
Enhances visibility by illuminating multiple areas simultaneously while minimizing shadows and glare, providing a wider and softer light distribution around the user.
Implementation Method 1
the orb-shaped lens disperses the light rays through a substantially 270° arc of uniform light
Implementation Method 2
diffuses the light rays to soften the illumination from the light source
Implementation Method 3
the reflector being sized and dimensioned to at least partially reflect the light rays from the light source towards the distal end of the case
Data Source
AI summary
An handheld illuminating device with orb-shaped lens for enhancing forward and lateral visibility including a flashlight having at least one light source that emits light rays through an orb-shaped lens. The orb-shaped lens is semi-spherical and adapted to disperse the light rays through a substantially 270° arc of uniform light for illuminating more than one area around the user, diffusing the light rays to soften the illumination from the light source, and eliminates shadows that are inherent in flat or curvilinear lenses. A reflector reflects light rays from the light source to the orb-shaped lens. A power supply powers the light source. A switch regulates power and intensity of the light source. A transparent cover protects the orb-shaped lens from physical damage.