Portable Backup Lamp Light System with Automatic Power Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

During power outages, residents face challenges in finding and using flashlights safely due to the lack of a reliable, adjustable, and directional light source, as most lamps provide only a single light setting and uniform light emission.

Innovation Solution

A back-up lamp light system comprising a portable light that can be detachably attached to a lamp, featuring a power source detector to automatically turn on a main light or nightlight in the event of a power outage, with adjustable light settings and directional emission, and includes charging options via power cord, USB adapter, or solar charger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flashlight is stored in a kitchen or garage, then it can be used as a back-up light source, but it is difficult to locate and turn on safely in the dark

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of back-up light sourceVSAvoidease of locating and turning on light
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable light is pre-positioned on the lamp where it can be immediately accessed during a power outage. The power source detector is activated in advance to monitor power status, and the light is automatically turned on without requiring the user to search for or manually activate it, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a lamp provides a single light setting, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide lower light levels needed for certain situations like changing a baby's diaper

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of light settingsVSAvoidcomplexity of light setting controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable light incorporates multiple light settings (main light and nightlight modes) that can be dynamically selected based on the situation. The power source detector and control circuitry automatically manage the different light levels, providing adaptability for various needs while keeping the user interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a lamp emits light uniformly from around the bulb, then the light distribution is even, but it cannot provide directional light emission needed for safe navigation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe navigation capabilityVSAvoiddirectionality of light emission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The portable light uses directed LED light sources that emit light in specific directions (upward and downward) rather than uniformly in all directions. This localized light emission provides focused illumination for safe navigation while maintaining a simple lamp structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If a portable light with battery is used, then it can function as a flashlight when detached, but it requires charging infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability and flashlight functionalityVSAvoidcharging system requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable light is designed with multi-functionality: it can be attached to the lamp for fixed use, detached for portable flashlight use, and charged through multiple methods (power cord, USB adapter, or solar charger). This universal design provides versatility while managing charging complexity through multiple charging options.

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

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

Provides safe and adjustable lighting during power outages, allowing users to navigate safely with customizable light levels and directions, while also serving as a rechargeable flashlight for emergency situations.

Implementation Method 1

a power source detector that is electrically coupled with the portable light. In the event of a power outage, the power source detector detects the power outage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical detection: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

A solar charger may be part of the lamp, for example

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10082257B1Back-up lamp light system
Publication Date: 2018.09.25 CRYSTAL BERANEK ENTERPRISES LLC
  • US10082257B1 patent drawing
  • US10082257B1 patent drawing
  • US10082257B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A back-up lamp light system has a portable light that is configured to be detachably attached to a lamp and is configured to automatically turn on in the event of a power outage. The portable light is configured to be retained by a mounting bracket to a lamp. The portable light may be detached from the mounting bracket and used as a flashlight. A portable light has a main light and a night light configured on opposing ends of the portable light. A back-up lamp light system may have a light level sensor that is configured to automatically turn on the nightlight in the event of a light level being detected below a threshold value. A back-up lamp light system may be portable and have a separate power cord or may be integral and have a power cord that extends through the interior of a lamp.