Portable Lantern with Motion Sensor Cradle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wall-mounted luminaires are fixed and do not allow for a portable portion to illuminate different zones or remote positions, limiting user flexibility and aesthetic options.
Innovation Solution
A decorative lantern system with a portable lantern separable from a wall-mounted cradle, featuring adjustable intensity and color settings based on proximity or motion detection, using LEDs and a controller that integrates sensors for customizable lighting characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the luminaire is fixed in location, then the structural stability is improved, but the user flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into two separate modules: a fixed wall-mounted cradle that provides stable mounting and power supply, and a portable lantern portion that can be moved to different locations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural stability at the mounting location while providing user flexibility through the portable component that can illuminate different zones or remote positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the luminaire is made portable and separable, then the user flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the structural stability and fixed mounting capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a stable fixed cradle and a movable lantern portion, allowing each component to optimize its function - the cradle provides stable mounting while the lantern provides portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable lantern portion serves multiple functions: it can be attached to the wall-mounted cradle for fixed illumination or detached and moved to different locations for portable use, making it adaptable to various lighting needs while maintaining structural stability when mounted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting intensity and color are made adjustable based on sensors, then the adaptability and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire incorporates motion sensors and ambient light sensors that automatically detect user presence and environmental lighting conditions, then autonomously adjust the lighting intensity and color temperature without requiring manual user input. This self-service approach enhances functionality and adaptability while minimizing the complexity of user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor environmental conditions and user presence, then feeds this information back to the controller which adjusts lighting parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different situations, improving functionality while managing complexity through automated control.
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 flexible lighting solutions by allowing the portable lantern to change illumination and color levels based on its position relative to the cradle, providing enhanced aesthetic options and functionality, such as bug deterrence or ambient lighting adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The controller may monitor the motion detector input and/or ambient light sensor input to determine whether or not to initiate determination of light output signal generation
Implementation Method 2
The controller will monitor the motion detector input and/or ambient light sensor input
Implementation Method 3
In some aspects the illumination source is an LED and the decorative lantern controller includes an LED driver or other control electronics
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a decorative lantern having a portable lantern and cradle is set forth. Both the portable lantern and the cradle may include a light source. The mounted cradle includes a power source capable of recharging and/or powering the portable lantern when docked. The light source of the cradle may be illuminable when the portable lantern is removed from the cradle.