Portable Lighting Current Ramp-Up for Battery Voltage Drops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable lighting devices often experience premature mode transitions due to voltage drops from partially depleted power sources, leading to undesirable intensity fluctuations and reduced operational time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electronic processor to control the drive current of the light source based on the power source's voltage, using algorithms to incrementally adjust the current through pulse width modulation, ensuring efficient operation and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source operates in high current mode to provide maximum illumination, then the light output intensity is improved, but the power source voltage drops prematurely causing mode transitions and reduced operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the drive current to the light source based on real-time voltage monitoring. The electronic processor transitions between multiple current modes (first current mode, second current mode, third current mode) depending on the power source voltage level, optimizing both illumination intensity and operational duration by adapting to changing battery conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (current and voltage thresholds) to optimize performance. By defining specific voltage thresholds (first threshold, second threshold, third threshold) and corresponding current modes, the system efficiently manages power consumption to extend operational time while maintaining adequate light output
2Device complexity
If the device uses simple voltage monitoring to control light output, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light output stability deteriorates due to premature mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic processor continuously monitors the power source voltage and provides feedback control by adjusting the drive current accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents premature mode transitions and stabilizes light output by responding to actual battery voltage conditions rather than using fixed timing or simple thresholds
3Duration of action of moving object
If the light source is driven at maximum current to extend operational time, then the duration of action is improved, but the light output intensity fluctuates due to voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic current adjustment with multiple operational modes instead of a fixed current level. The electronic processor selects between first current mode, second current mode, and third current mode based on voltage thresholds, maintaining relatively stable light output while optimizing operational time by adapting to battery conditions
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
The solution stabilizes light output by adapting to the power source's charge state, preventing premature mode drops and enhancing the device's performance and battery life.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may include at least one light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
A portable lighting device includes a housing, a light source supported by the housing, and an alkaline battery positioned within the housing and coupled to the light source. The alkaline battery is configured to provide a drive current to the light source, and an intensity of the light source is dependent on the drive current. The portable lighting device also includes an electronic processor positioned within the housing and coupled to the light source and the alkaline battery. The electronic processor is configured to monitor a voltage of the alkaline battery, and execute a ramp-up algorithm to control the drive current based on the voltage of the alkaline battery.