Portable Lighting Apparatus with Laser and LED Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flashlights often lack versatility in light sources and modes, requiring multiple devices for different applications, and do not efficiently allow simultaneous or independent operation of different light types.
Innovation Solution
A portable lighting apparatus with a pivoting light head, rechargeable battery, and user interface that enables simultaneous or independent operation of a laser light source and LED light source, allowing for multiple light modes and orientations through a detent mechanism and electronic processor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate flashlights are used for different applications, then each flashlight can be optimized for its specific function, but the user must carry and manage multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple different light sources (laser and LED) into a single flashlight device. The light head houses both a laser diode array and LED array, allowing the user to have multiple light types in one device rather than carrying separate flashlights for different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The flashlight is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both laser and LED light sources that can be independently or simultaneously activated. The device provides laser mode, LED mode, and combined mode, making it a universal lighting tool for various applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single device contains multiple light sources, then versatility is improved, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into distinct actuators: a first actuator (tail cap) controls the laser light source, while a second actuator (side button) controls the LED light source. This segmentation allows independent control of each light type without requiring a complex unified control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic processor as an intermediary that receives signals from the actuators and independently controls the laser and LED light sources. The processor acts as a mediator that simplifies the control architecture by handling the logic of switching between different light modes based on actuator input
3Ease of operation
If different actuators control different light sources, then independent operation is enabled, but the user interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each light source has its own dedicated actuator that directly controls it without requiring complex coordination. The tail cap actuator self-services the laser control, and the side button actuator self-services the LED control, simplifying the user interaction model
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 a single device to provide multiple light modes and orientations, enhancing user convenience by allowing simultaneous or independent operation of laser and LED light sources, catering to various applications without the need for multiple flashlights.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source supported in the light head, the first light source including a laser selectively operable to emit a single light wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a second light source supported in the light head, the second light source including one or more LEDs selectively operable to emit a distribution of light wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A portable lighting apparatus includes a handle, a light head pivotally coupled to the handle through a plurality of positions via a joint, a battery receptacle supported by the handle, a first light source supported in the light head, a second light source supported in the light head, and a user interface supported by the handle and configured to be selectively actuated by a user to operate the first light source and the second light source. The battery receptacle is configured to receive a rechargeable battery. The first light source includes a laser selectively operable to emit a single light wavelength, and the second light source includes one or more LEDs selectively operable to emit a distribution of light wavelengths.