Solar-Powered Helmet Power Pack for Night Vision Battery Life
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current military helmets rely on non-rechargeable AA batteries for night vision goggles, which deplete quickly and require frequent replacement, posing a risk to soldiers in combat or training environments where continuous power is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered power pack integrated with solar panels and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing a renewable energy source that can charge night vision goggles for extended periods, doubling the battery life compared to traditional AA batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If non-rechargeable AA batteries are used to power night vision goggles, then the device can be powered initially, but the power supply duration is limited and requires frequent battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rechargeable battery system that recovers and stores electrical energy for repeated use. The battery can be recharged multiple times, allowing the night vision goggle to be powered continuously without discarding depleted batteries. This resolves the contradiction by extending the effective duration of action while eliminating the time loss associated with frequent battery replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a solar panel that performs preliminary charging action during daylight hours. The solar panel converts solar energy into electrical energy and stores it in the rechargeable battery before the night vision goggle is needed. This preliminary energy storage action ensures that the battery is fully charged and ready for extended nighttime operation, thereby extending battery life and eliminating replacement time.
2Reliability
If multiple spare batteries are carried to ensure adequate power supply, then power availability is improved, but the weight and volume of equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rechargeable battery system allows a single battery to be used repeatedly after recharging, eliminating the need to carry multiple spare batteries. The battery recovers energy through solar charging, maintaining reliability while significantly reducing the weight of battery equipment. Soldiers only need to carry one rechargeable battery instead of multiple non-rechargeable ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel enables the battery to charge itself during daylight hours without requiring external charging equipment or additional batteries. This self-service charging mechanism ensures continuous power availability while keeping the equipment lightweight, as the battery recharges autonomously from solar energy rather than requiring manual intervention or additional power sources.
3Device complexity
If non-rechargeable batteries are used, then the initial system is simple, but continuous operation cannot be maintained without battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rechargeable battery that recovers and stores electrical energy for repeated use cycles. This single battery system with recharge capability replaces the need for multiple disposable batteries, maintaining operational continuity without significantly increasing system complexity. The battery can be recharged and reused, extending continuous power supply duration while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel performs preliminary energy conversion and storage during daylight hours, converting solar energy into electrical energy and storing it in the rechargeable battery. This preliminary charging action ensures that the battery is ready for extended nighttime operation, enabling continuous power supply without requiring complex power management systems or multiple battery compartments.
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 solar-powered power pack offers a lightweight, renewable, and reliable power solution for night vision goggles, ensuring extended usage without the need for frequent battery replacements, enhancing operational safety and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A solar-powered power pack integrated with solar panels and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing a renewable energy source
Data Source
AI summary
A power pack and related components are provided for powering night vision devices and other electronic devices using solar panels. In one embodiment, a solar powered power pack with a rechargeable battery is mountable on a helmet or is otherwise attachable to wearable or portable gear.