Portable Light Rotating Joint Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable lights with movable heads often have complex rotating joints that reduce reliability and increase manufacturing costs due to intricate assembly processes, making them time-consuming and costly to produce.

Innovation Solution

A portable light design featuring a simplified rotating joint with a hollow cylindrical member and a complementary bore, along with a fastener and electrical conductors to connect the light body and head, and a battery cover with hooks and a latch for easy assembly and access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex rotating joint is used to enable movable light head, then the light head can pivot or swivel relative to the light body, but the assembly becomes intricate and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovable light head functionalityVSAvoidrotating joint complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating joint is divided into separate components: a first portion integrated with the light body, a second portion integrated with the light head, and a connector portion that joins them. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and easier to manufacture while collectively providing the required rotational functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector portion is designed with a hollow cylindrical structure that receives a rod, enabling dynamic rotation between the light body and light head. The hollow cylindrical design with rod insertion provides a simple yet effective mechanical connection that allows pivoting motion without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex rotating joint with many parts is used, then the light head can be made movable, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovable light headVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the rotating joint into distinct portions that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, the patent reduces the complexity of individual components and streamlines the assembly process, thereby decreasing total assembly time while maintaining movable light head functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second portions of the rotating joint are pre-integrated with the light body and light head respectively before final assembly. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall assembly process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be handled and secured during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex rotating joint is used to provide movable functionality, then the light head can pivot, but the reliability and service life are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight head movementVSAvoidjoint reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting the rotating joint into separate portions with a connector reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points. Each segment can be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining the ability to pivot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical rotating joint mechanisms with a simpler hollow cylindrical connector and rod assembly. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and potential failure points, thereby improving reliability while preserving the essential pivoting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If a simplified rotating joint design is used, then assembly becomes easier and faster, but the movable functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmovable light head capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow cylindrical connector portion with rod insertion provides a simple yet effective dynamic connection that enables rotation. This design maintains full movable functionality while being easy to manufacture and assemble, as the components can be simply inserted and secured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented design allows each portion to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then easily assembled together. This segmentation maintains the movable functionality while simplifying manufacturing and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10948139B2Portable light having a movable head and assembly method

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 STREAMLIGHT INC

AI summary

A portable light and assembly method may comprise: a light body supporting a source of electrical power and a light head having a light source that produces light. A rotating joint may include: a hollow cylindrical central member extending from one of the light body and the light head in a cylindrical bore of complementary size and shape in the other of the light body and the light head, a fastener retaining the hollow cylindrical member in the cylindrical bore, and one or more electrical conductors extending through the hollow cylindrical member of the rotating joint to connect the source of electrical power to the light source. A hinged cover has a latch including an arm member engaging a feature of the light body or including a thumb screw engaging a threaded hole of the light body, to retain the closed cover against the light body.