Portable Lighting Device Motion-Based Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable lighting devices with multiple functions face issues such as complicated user interfaces, mechanical switch wear, user fatigue, and inefficient battery management, particularly in signaling modes and night light applications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating inertial sensors and controllers in portable lighting devices to enable mode changes through motion, eliminating the need for mechanical switch manipulation, and providing features like auto-off and adjustable modes for improved usability and battery conservation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions are added to portable lighting devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple functionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple operational modes (normal mode, power save mode, blink mode, SOS mode) within a single lighting device, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes. The controller is programmed to switch between these modes based on user input, eliminating the need for separate devices for different lighting needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a momentary switch as an intermediary control mechanism that simplifies user interaction. By pressing the momentary switch for different durations or patterns, users can transition between multiple functions without dealing with complex interfaces or multiple switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If main switch manipulation is required for mode changes, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode changesVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a momentary switch that requires only a brief press (partial action) to trigger mode changes, rather than requiring the user to manipulate a main switch through complex sequences. Different press durations or patterns provide different functions, simplifying the interaction while maintaining multiple operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical switch manipulation is required, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode changesVSAvoidmechanical switch wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional main switch mechanical manipulation system with a momentary switch that triggers electronic mode changes through a controller. This substitution reduces mechanical wear by minimizing the complexity and frequency of mechanical actuations required for mode changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If frequent switch manipulation is required for mode changes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode changesVSAvoidtime to index through modes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The momentary switch requires only a brief press to initiate mode changes, eliminating the need for prolonged or repeated manipulation sequences. Users can quickly transition between modes with simple, rapid actions, significantly reducing the time required to access different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

5Loss of energy

If auto-off feature is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to unintended activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery conservationVSAvoidunintended activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is programmed with predetermined time thresholds that distinguish between intentional and unintentional activations. By monitoring the duration and pattern of switch presses, the system can differentiate between deliberate user actions (which activate the light) and accidental movements (which trigger auto-off), thereby conserving energy without causing unintended deactivation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11149909B2Portable lighting devices

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 MAG INSTRUMENT INC

AI summary

A flashlight or portable light source has a battery power source, a light source, a circuit powered by the battery power source which causes the light source to emit light in an on state, a switch which causes the circuit to alternate between the on state and an off state in which the light source does not emit light when the switch is actuated by a user, a controller for causing light emitted from the light source to emit at two or more modes other than the off state, and an automatic dimmer residing within the flashlight which causes light emitted from the light source to dim without any activation of the switch after a first preselected amount of time.