Portable Area Light With Segmented LED Array

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable workspace lighting devices lack versatility and reliability in providing consistent, high-intensity illumination over extended periods without the need for frequent battery replacement or external power sources, and they often fail to offer adjustable lighting modes and robust construction.

Innovation Solution

A portable area light with a housing supporting an array of LEDs, a user interface for multiple operational modes, and a detachable lens that can withstand drops, powered by a 5 amp/hour battery capable of producing 5700-7700 lumens for 1-3 hours, with a control unit allowing for intensity adjustments and sector-specific power distribution, and the option to connect to an AC power source for extended use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple separate light sources are used to illuminate different areas, then area coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea coverageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single light source into multiple independently controllable emission zones or segments. Each segment can be controlled separately to illuminate different areas, providing area coverage equivalent to multiple light sources while maintaining a single integrated device structure, thus reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from controlling multiple separate light sources in three-dimensional space to controlling a single light source through temporal or spectral dimensions. By modulating the light source in time (sequential activation) or frequency (multiplexing), multiple area coverage functions are achieved without adding spatial complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate light sources are used to provide independent control for different areas, then control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a single light source to perform multiple functions by dividing it into several emission zones or modes. Each zone can be independently controlled to serve different illumination purposes, providing the control flexibility of multiple light sources while using a universal single-source platform, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms that allow a single light source to adapt its emission characteristics in real-time. Through temporal modulation, spectral tuning, or spatial scanning, the light source can dynamically switch between different area coverage modes, providing control flexibility without the need for multiple static light sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but area coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidarea coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments a single light source into multiple emission zones or controllable regions. Each segment can be activated independently or in combination to cover different areas, enabling a single light source to provide area coverage equivalent to multiple light sources while maintaining reduced device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes in the light source such as adjusting emission intensity, spectral distribution, or temporal patterns to expand effective area coverage. By modulating these parameters, a single light source can adapt to illuminate different areas efficiently, overcoming the area coverage limitation without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides reliable, adjustable, and high-intensity illumination for extended periods, with the ability to connect multiple lights in series, ensuring consistent performance and robust construction, meeting the needs of versatile workspace lighting.

Implementation Method 1

A light source emits light in multiple different directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3423749A1Area light
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

An area light includes a housing defining a central axis and including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion arranged to emit light. A lens is coupled to the housing, and a light assembly is disposed within the second portion. The light assembly includes a plurality of LEDs arranged to emit light through the lens and in a direction that extends 360 degrees around the central axis. A battery is selectively coupled to the housing and is arranged to provide power to the LEDs to allow for the emission of light at a level of at least 5700 lumens for at least two hours.