Purse Illumination with Touch-Sensitive Switch and EL Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing purse lighting systems are cumbersome, prone to accidental activation, and do not effectively illuminate the interior from the bottom and sides, often using point sources and requiring multiple components, which are not aesthetically pleasing and can lead to battery discharge without user knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A purse illumination system utilizing light-emitting fabrics or electroluminescent wires that provide ambient lighting from the bottom and sides, with a touch-sensitive switch for user activation and a capacitive timing circuit for automatic shutdown, allowing for continuous and aesthetically pleasing illumination without the need for multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push switch is used to activate the purse light, then the light can be turned on, but the lamp may be inadvertently switched on by pressure from items within the purse, resulting in complete discharge of the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical push switch with a touch-sensitive switch that requires deliberate finger pressure to activate. This substitution maintains ease of operation while preventing accidental activation by items within the purse, as the touch-sensitive switch requires more precise and intentional contact than a simple push switch.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional point light sources are used in the purse, then the light can illuminate the interior, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires multiple components including mounting brackets and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, housing, and mounting components into an integrated light assembly that can be directly attached to the purse interior. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and housing components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: illumination, decorative lighting, and automatic activation upon purse opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system design.
3Ease of operation
If the light is activated automatically when the purse opening is open, then the light illuminates upon opening the purse, but the lamp may be inadvertently left on by the user, resulting in complete discharge of the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a touch-sensitive switch that provides feedback to the user through tactile sensation. When the user closes the purse, the switch detects the closing action and automatically deactivates the light, preventing energy loss while maintaining ease of operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the light is only on when intended.
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 system provides effective, continuous, and aesthetically pleasing illumination of the purse interior and exterior with reduced weight and complexity, preventing accidental activation and ensuring efficient battery use.
Implementation Method 1
a touch-sensitive switch located in an indentation to protect against accidental switching on
Implementation Method 2
A purse illumination system utilizing light-emitting fabrics or electroluminescent wires that provide ambient lighting
Data Source
AI summary
A purse illumination assembly including a power source, a light emitting portion, a touch-sensitive switch, and a circuit assembly connecting the light emitting portion to the power source through the touch-sensitive switch. The touch-sensitive switch is located in an indentation to protect against accidental switching on. The light emitting portion includes a light emitting fabric or may include EL wire alone or in combination with LED lights to provide both lighting and a decorative effect. A driver circuit may be included for driving both the EL wire and the LED lights.