Compact PIR Sensor and LED for Bag Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for illuminating portable spaces, such as bags or enclosures, are inadequate in low-light conditions, requiring users to empty the enclosure to locate items, as traditional sensor-activated lights are bulky and unsuitable for portable use.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a PIR sensor and a light source, such as LEDs, is removably attached to the interior surface of a portable enclosure, triggering illumination upon detecting a user's body heat or motion, allowing for wireless or wired communication between the sensor and light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional sensor-activated lights are used for portable enclosures, then illumination function is provided, but the device becomes bulky and unsuitable for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PIR sensor and LED light source into a single integrated device that can be attached to the interior surface of portable enclosures. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate bulky sensor and light units, creating a compact solution suitable for portable applications while maintaining both motion detection and illumination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a motion detection sensor (PIR) and a light source (LED), while also serving as a portable illumination solution for various enclosure types. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device bulk.
2Ease of operation
If users search through bags in low-light conditions without illumination, then no additional device is needed, but users must empty the bag to locate items
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary illumination by detecting user presence through the PIR sensor and automatically activating the LED light source before the user begins searching. This preliminary action of providing light based on detected motion eliminates the need for users to manually empty the bag, allowing them to search through items efficiently while they remain in place.
3Device complexity
If a compact PIR sensor is used, then portability is improved, but detection range and sensitivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the compact PIR sensor on the interior surface of the enclosure, specifically near the opening where users typically access items. This strategic local positioning optimizes the sensor's detection capability for the specific application of detecting user hands or bodies reaching into the bag, compensating for the inherently limited range of compact sensors by placing them where detection is most 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 efficient and convenient illumination within portable spaces, allowing users to locate items without emptying the enclosure, even in low-light conditions, by automatically activating the light source when the user reaches in.
Implementation Method 1
the PIR sensor would detect one or both of the person's body heat (from his or her hand) and/or the motion of the person's hand
Implementation Method 2
a light source (including, without limitation, light emitting diodes ("LEDs") or the like)
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques are provided for illuminating a portable space, which, in some cases, is based on passive infrared (“PIR”) detection. In some embodiments, a first device might detect presence of at least a portion of a user's body (e.g., a hand or face of the user, etc.). Based at least in part on detection of the presence of the at least a portion of the user's body, a second device might illuminate an interior space of a bag or other portable enclosure. In some cases, the first and second devices might be the same device, while, in other cases, the first and second devices might be separate yet communicatively coupled to each other (such as via wireless or wired connection). In some embodiments, the first device might include a passive infrared sensor or the like, while the second device might include light emitting diodes or the like.