Removable LED Illumination Device for Computing Video Calls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld computing devices often face challenges with unpredictable and inadequate illumination during video calls and other camera-related applications, making it difficult to capture clear images, especially in low-light environments.

Innovation Solution

An illumination device is designed to be removably attached to computing devices, featuring a light source, such as LEDs, with adjustable intensity and color, and a securement mechanism that allows for flexible positioning and control, including integration with the device's power source and control mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If no additional illumination device is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the illumination quality is insufficient in low-light environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination qualityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device combines multiple components (light source, attachment assembly, securement mechanism) into a single integrated unit that attaches to the computing device, providing improved illumination while maintaining manageable overall complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment assembly serves multiple functions: securing the illumination device to the computing device, providing structural support, and enabling removable attachment/detachment, thereby reducing the need for separate components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed illumination device is used, then the installation is simple, but the positioning flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securement mechanism employs movable components (such as movable arms or clamps) that can adjust their position and configuration to accommodate different computing device shapes and sizes, providing positioning flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple attachment structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment assembly allows for adjustment of attachment parameters (such as attachment position, angle, or tightness) to adapt to different computing devices, achieving versatility without requiring a completely complex multi-configuration system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If an integrated power source is included in the illumination device, then the operational independence is improved, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational independenceVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of integrating a full power source, the system uses a power connection that taps into the existing power infrastructure of the computing device, effectively copying the power delivery function without the weight penalty of a separate battery or power supply unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces a mechanical power source (battery) with an electrical power connection that leverages the computing device's existing power system, eliminating the need for heavy battery components while maintaining operational independence during attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 illumination device provides consistent and optimized lighting for video calls and camera applications, enhancing image quality and user experience by ensuring proper illumination, even in low-light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The illumination device includes a light source, such as LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10495946B2Illumination device
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 CASE-MATE
  • US10495946B2 patent drawing
  • US10495946B2 patent drawing
  • US10495946B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An illumination device generally has at least one light source and an attachment assembly that connects the light source to a computing device. The light source may be one or more LEDs or a light panel using electroluminescent lighting. The illumination device includes a power source coupled to the light source and a light control mechanism to change at least one of an operative state or an intensity of the light source. The illumination device may also be integrally connected to the computing device. A light cover is implemented to cover the light source and diffuse light emanating therefrom.