Portable Lightbulb With Battery Backup for Power Outages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lightbulbs rely on continuous AC power and turn off during power outages, necessitating unsafe and inconvenient alternative lighting solutions, especially in developing countries, and require extensive electrical setups for outdoor use.
Innovation Solution
A portable lightbulb system that combines an AC primary power source with a DC secondary power source, utilizing a battery chamber and an AC-to-DC converter to maintain lighting during power outages, featuring a flexible PCB for LED placement and a smart switching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard lightbulb is used that relies on AC power, then the lightbulb can operate continuously when power is supplied, but the lightbulb turns off during power outages causing darkness and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is charged in advance during normal AC power operation, so that when power outage occurs, the pre-charged battery can immediately take over to keep the lightbulb illuminated, avoiding darkness
Solution Approach 2:
A DC converter and switching circuit are introduced as intermediary components to bridge between AC power source, battery, and LED lightbulb, enabling automatic transition between power sources and ensuring continuous lighting
2Ease of operation
If electrical wiring is set up for outdoor lighting, then the lightbulb can be powered, but the setup is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The lightbulb is designed with dual power source capability (AC and battery), making it universally applicable both indoors with power supply and outdoors without power supply, eliminating the need for extensive electrical wiring in outdoor scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The battery power system is extracted as a self-contained unit within the lightbulb, allowing the lightbulb to operate independently of external electrical wiring when needed, particularly for portable or outdoor use
3Reliability
If AC to DC conversion and battery charging circuitry is added, then the lightbulb can operate during power outages, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AC to DC converter and battery charging circuit are merged into a single integrated unit within the lightbulb, combining multiple functions (power conversion, battery charging, and lighting control) into one compact system to minimize complexity
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
Ensures continuous lighting during power outages and reduces setup complexity by integrating a battery-powered backup, maintaining functionality and safety without the need for extensive electrical wiring.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter having an AC end connected to the AC primary power source
Implementation Method 2
the light source includes an array of light-emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for providing light that is resilient to power outages are disclosed. The apparatus is a device that includes a primary light source, which includes an AC-to-DC converter that converts the AC power from a light socket to DC power. The device includes a secondary power source, as a backup, having an internal or external battery and a light source electrically connected in parallel. In some embodiments, the light source resides on a flexible, printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the device includes a sensor that senses the loss of AC power. In some embodiments, in response to the sensor sensing the loss of AC power, the light shuts off or fades out after a predetermined time period. In some embodiments, the user can stop the light from turning off or fading out by pressing a button.