Rotatable Dual Magnification Mirror with Hoop Illuminator
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable, free-standing mirror with dual magnification factors and an integrated illumination source that can be easily rotated without risking electrical wire damage, suitable for personal grooming in various lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual magnification mirror with back-to-back mirror plates of different magnification factors, powered by batteries within a base, featuring a flexible, annular ring-shaped illumination source using LEDs and a gravity-operated reflector plate to ensure even illumination and continuous rotation without wire twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid illumination source is used in the mirror frame, then the illumination can be provided effectively, but the mirror frame cannot be continuously rotated without twisting electrical wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) instead of rigid wiring to connect the illumination source to the power source. The FPC can bend and flex as the mirror frame rotates continuously, preventing wire twisting and maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the rotation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows the mirror frame to rotate freely and continuously. The flexible illumination source adapts to this dynamic movement, enabling the mirror to be positioned at any angle without electrical connection failures.
2Illumination intensity
If an illumination source is added to the mirror, then illumination of object fields is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the illumination source directly into the mirror frame structure, combining the lighting function with the mirror assembly. This merging approach provides effective illumination while minimizing additional complexity by using the existing frame as the mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible printed circuit board simplifies the electrical connections for the illumination source, reducing the complexity compared to traditional rigid wiring systems. The FPC can be easily integrated into the mirror frame without adding significant structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual magnification mirror plates are used, then versatility for different grooming tasks is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mirror into separate mirror plates with different magnification factors (e.g., 1x and 5x) that can be independently mounted and positioned. This segmentation allows users to select the appropriate magnification for different grooming tasks while keeping each individual plate simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mirror system where multiple mirror plates with different magnifications can be used with a single illumination source and mounting structure. This multi-functionality approach provides versatility for various grooming tasks while avoiding the need for separate complete mirror assemblies for each magnification level.
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 solution provides a portable, versatile mirror with uniform illumination and adjustable magnification, enabling effective personal grooming in different lighting conditions without the risk of electrical wire damage during rotation.
Implementation Method 1
an internal flexible hoop-shaped illuminator which encircles the mirror plates and emits light forwards and backwards
Implementation Method 2
a movable reflector ring that reflects light from the illumination source to the mirror plates
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror includes a frame holding back-to-back a pair of reflective mirror plates having different magnification factors, each plate having a reflective central area and an outer concentric light-transmissive window area. Rotatable pivot joints supporting the frame between opposed arms of a support yoke and enable the frame to be rotated to orient a selected plate in a forward-facing use position. A hoop-shaped printed circuit board having circumferentially spaced apart light emitting diodes (LED's) protruding therefrom is located between inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates. Objects in front of a mirror plates are illuminated by direct LED rays emitted forwardly through the window areas and by indirect LED rays reflected from reflective inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates, and from the forward facing surface of a movable reflector ring within the frame which falls rearward when the frame is rotated.