Portable Flashlight with Integrated LEDs, Laser, and Magnetic Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable flashlights are not designed to provide enhanced illumination in ambient environments with multiple operating modes, are not lightweight or compact, and lack features for secure attachment and hands-free use.
Innovation Solution
A portable flashlight apparatus with a base housing featuring structurally-defined regions, a light module with multiple light sources, including LEDs and a laser, a magnetic bias for hands-free attachment, and a clip for secure attachment, along with a rechargeable power source and USB-C charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources (LEDs and laser) are integrated into the flashlight, then illumination intensity and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (LEDs and laser) into a single integrated light module assembly, merging their functions within one structural unit that is mounted on the holder inside the base housing. This allows enhanced illumination capabilities while managing device complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The light module is designed to support multiple operating modes by integrating different types of light sources (LEDs for general illumination and laser for targeted beams), enabling the flashlight to perform multiple functions including spot lighting, flood lighting, and laser designation within a single device.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable power source is integrated into the base housing, then portability and continuous use are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rechargeable power source is nested within the interior space of the base housing, utilizing the available volume efficiently. The power source is positioned to work in conjunction with the holder and light module, creating a compact integrated system that extends operational duration without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If seal members are added to prevent moisture and debris entry, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Seal members in the form of gaskets or sealing rings are incorporated at critical interfaces within the base housing, such as where the holder meets the housing or where the light module is mounted. These flexible sealing elements prevent moisture and debris penetration while adding minimal structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the front and rear housing regions have greater outer perimeter than the intermediate region, then ease of grip is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base housing is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional profile where the front and rear housing regions have greater outer perimeters compared to the intermediate region. This asymmetric geometry provides enhanced gripping surfaces at the ends while maintaining a more compact intermediate section, improving ease of operation without requiring complex mechanical additions.
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 enhanced illumination with multiple modes, is lightweight and compact, allows secure and hands-free use, and ensures efficient power management with quick charging.
Implementation Method 1
One or more magnetic elements are integrated in, arranged on, or embedded in the rear face of the end cap to facilitate a magnetic attraction between the base housing and the working surface or support surface that magnetically biases the base housing on the working surface or support surface.
Implementation Method 2
The first light source comprises one or more LEDs operable to emit illuminating light (e.g., in a spotlight operating mode) from the front housing region in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base housing.
Implementation Method 3
The second light source comprises a laser operable to emit laser light from the front housing region in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable flashlight apparatus is provided that is lightweight and compact to provide enhanced illumination in an ambient environment when placed in one of a plurality of operating modes. The portable flashlight apparatus includes a base housing defining an interior space and which includes structurally defined regions that include a front housing region, a rear housing region, an intermediate housing region extending between the front housing region and the rear housing region and an end cap that closes the interior space at the rear housing region. A light module includes a first light source operable to emit illuminating light, a second light source operable to emit laser light, and a third light source operable to emit illuminating light. A magnet are arranged at the rear face of the end cap, and is operable to magnetically bias the base housing on a working surface or support surface having magnetic properties.