Portable Utility Light with Vehicle Receiver and External Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle operators face challenges in providing adequate lighting for tasks performed in low ambient light conditions, especially when using their vehicles within structures or at night, and existing solutions do not offer a convenient, multi-functional lighting solution that can be easily carried and charged.
Innovation Solution
A portable utility light with a housing, lens, external reflector, and rechargeable battery, secured in a receiver on a motor vehicle component like a liftgate, which can function as both a dome light and flashlight, and includes a charging system for maintaining battery power, with a lock for secure attachment and a switch for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable utility light is integrated into the motor vehicle with a receiver and lock mechanism, then the light can be securely mounted and used as a dome light, but the device complexity increases due to the receiver, lock, and charging connector components
Solution Approach 1:
The portable utility light is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be mounted in the receiver on the motor vehicle to serve as a dome light, removed and used as a handheld flashlight, and the external reflector provides additional safety function when exposed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the single device adaptable to various lighting needs without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The light housing is designed as a separable unit that can be removed from the receiver, and the external reflector is positioned to be exposed when the light is in the receiver. This segmentation allows the same components to serve different functions in different configurations, reducing the need for additional complex structures.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the portable utility light includes a rechargeable battery and charging connector, then the light can be recharged when mounted in the receiver, but the device complexity increases due to the battery and charging system components
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector is integrated into the light housing and automatically mates with the charging receiver when the light is mounted in the vehicle receiver. This merging of charging functionality into the mounting system allows the battery to be recharged in-place without requiring separate charging equipment or increasing operational complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service charging by automatically connecting the battery to the vehicle's power source when the light is mounted in the receiver. The charging process occurs automatically without user intervention, extending battery operation duration while minimizing the complexity of user interaction with the charging system.
3Reliability
If the external reflector is positioned to be exposed when the light is mounted in the receiver, then the reflector can reflect oncoming headlights for safety, but the device complexity increases due to the additional reflector component
Solution Approach 1:
The external reflector serves dual purposes: it enhances the lighting effectiveness when the light is mounted in the receiver by reflecting light outward, and it provides safety function by reflecting oncoming headlights back to approaching drivers. This multi-functionality improves reliability and safety without requiring entirely separate safety devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is integrated into the light housing structure rather than being a separate attached component. This merging of the reflector with the housing reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while still providing the safety reflection function.
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 portable utility light provides reliable and versatile lighting for both interior and exterior tasks, ensuring visibility and safety by reflecting oncoming headlights and maintaining battery charge for continuous use, enhancing operational convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an external reflector, and a light source held in that housing
Implementation Method 2
a power source held in that housing. When the portable utility light is held in the receiver, the first battery charging connector is mated with the second battery charging connector to allow for charging the battery carried in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a motor vehicle component having a receiver and a portable utility light that is releasably held in that receiver. The portable utility light includes a housing having a lens and an external reflector and a light source held in the housing. A method of providing a motor vehicle with a multi function light source is also disclosed.