Pivotable Light Ring Flashlight for Adjustable Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held flashlights lack versatility in light direction adjustment and hands-free operation, limiting their utility in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held flashlight design featuring a pivotable light ring with a second light source and a resilient clip for hands-free operation, allowing adjustable light direction and multiple modes of illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed flashlight design is used, then the structure is simple, but the light direction adjustment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight is divided into a main body and a separate movable light ring assembly. The light ring can be independently rotated and positioned relative to the main body, allowing the light direction to be adjusted without complicating the overall structure. This segmentation enables versatile light positioning while maintaining a relatively simple base design.
Solution Approach 2:
The light ring is designed to be movable and rotatable relative to the main body, transitioning from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the user to change the light direction on-demand, providing adaptability while the mechanism remains simple enough not to significantly increase device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed light source is used, then the device is simple, but the illumination coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light ring provides an additional rotational degree of freedom around the central axis of the flashlight body. This adds a dimensional aspect to light positioning, allowing illumination coverage in multiple directions and planes, thereby expanding illumination coverage without requiring multiple separate light sources or complex multi-directional mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If no hands-free operation feature is added, then the device structure remains simple, but the operational convenience in different scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light ring serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component and a hands-free operation mechanism. When positioned in certain ways, it enables the flashlight to be clipped or attached to surfaces, providing hands-free operation capability. This multi-functionality approach adds operational convenience without requiring a completely separate hands-free device, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 versatility by enabling adjustable light direction and hands-free use, improving operational flexibility and convenience in different scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source positioned adjacent the first end. The first light source is electrically coupled to the power source and configured to produce light in a first illumination direction
Data Source
AI summary
A flashlight is operable by a power source. The flashlight includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body is configured to support the power source. The flashlight also includes a first light source positioned adjacent the first end. The first light source is electrically coupled to the power source and fixed relative to the body. The flashlight further includes a second light source coupled to the body. The second light source is movable relative to the first light source about a hinge defining a pivot axis.