Self-repairing Light Bulb Last Illumination Warning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-repairing light bulbs lack an indicator system to notify operators when the last illumination source is activated, indicating the need for replacement or refurbishment, which can lead to unexpected bulb failure.
Innovation Solution
A self-repairing light bulb with a programmable electro-mechanical controller and a last illumination array warning system that sequentially energizes LED arrays and activates a warning indicator, such as a colored LED, when the last-in-sequence array is energized, allowing timely replacement or refurbishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple illumination sources are sequentially energized to extend bulb life, then the duration of action is improved, but the loss of information occurs because there is no indicator to inform operators when the last light emitting source has been activated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a warning indicator that provides feedback to the operator when the last light emitting source is activated. This feedback mechanism (visual indicator) informs the operator that the bulb should be replaced or refurbished soon, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining the extended illumination life benefit of sequential energization
2Reliability
If a warning indicator system is added to notify operators, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The warning indicator serves multiple functions: it indicates when the last light emitting source is activated, provides advance notice for replacement planning, and confirms the operational status of the sequential energization system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple reliability benefits from a single indicator component
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 enables operators to plan for replacement or refurbishment of self-repairing light bulbs before they burn out, ensuring continuous illumination and extending the bulb's useful life by providing a clear alert when the last illumination source is activated.
Implementation Method 1
solid state illumination sources such as LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a self-repairing light bulb and method for same, the self-repairing light bulb comprises a light bulb body forming a hollow interior for containing a set of illumination arrays, one or more light detectors to detect a set minimum level of illumination as issued from an energized illumination array, light analyzers connected to one or more light detectors and configured to activate a programmable electro-mechanical controller when a selected and currently energized illumination array fails to provide the set minimum level of illumination, the programmable electro-mechanical controller configured to energize one illumination array at a time from the set of illumination arrays in a set sequential pattern, further comprising a last illumination array energization warning system that is activated when a last-in-sequence illumination array of the set is energized.