Solar Light With Positionable Panels For Adaptive Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar-powered lighting systems lack efficient energy harvesting and adaptive lighting capabilities, often requiring constant manual adjustment and failing to automatically adjust based on ambient light conditions or motion detection.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered lighting apparatus with hingedly attached panels, featuring LEDs, solar cells, and an infrared motion detection system, allowing for adjustable and automatic lighting based on ambient light and motion, with a rechargeable battery for energy storage and a manual switch for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar-powered lighting systems use fixed panels, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different lighting conditions and motion detection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the panels movable through hinged attachments to the hub, allowing them to rotate and adjust their orientation. This enables the lighting system to adapt to different ambient light conditions and motion detection requirements by repositioning the LED panels and solar cells dynamically, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Extent of automation
If solar-powered lighting systems lack motion detection, then device complexity is reduced, but automatic lighting control based on motion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic control logic that uses the infrared emitter/receiver pair to detect motion and automatically switches the LED lighting on or off accordingly. The controller receives infrared signals, processes motion detection information, and autonomously controls the lighting without manual intervention, achieving automation while integrating the infrared system into the overall control architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells have smaller surface area, then device size is reduced, but energy harvesting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged attachment mechanism enables the solar cell panel to dynamically adjust its orientation and positioning relative to the hub. This allows the solar cells to track and maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the day, improving energy harvesting efficiency without requiring a permanently larger surface area. The dynamic repositioning capability compensates for the limited surface area by optimizing solar capture at different times and conditions.
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 efficiently harvests solar energy, automatically turns LEDs on/off based on motion and ambient light, providing adaptive and energy-efficient lighting with adjustable panel positions for enhanced functionality.
Implementation Method 1
solar cells for collecting solar energy
Implementation Method 2
light sources for emitting light, for example light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 3
An infrared ('IR') emitter/receiver pair is disposed on a front surface of the hub
Implementation Method 4
a rechargeable battery are disposed within the housing compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus includes a central hub, and four panels hingedly attached to each side of the hub. Three panels have an LED array each. The fourth panel houses an array of solar cells, an ON/OFF switch, a rechargeable battery, and electronics. The four panels are independently positionable with respect to the hub. A motion detector is configured to operate the apparatus such that when motion is detected, the switch is in the ON position, and the solar cells do not detect ambient light above a predetermined base level, the device electronics turn the LEDs on; and when motion is not detected for a predetermined period, or the switch is in the OFF position, or the solar cells detect ambient light above the predetermined base level, the LEDs are powered off.