Solar Powered Light Assembly with Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lights are difficult to install and power, often requiring complex wiring and switches, and may be left on inadvertently, leading to battery drain when the vehicle is not in use.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered light assembly with a base, housing, and electronic components including LED lights, control circuitry, solar panels, and sensors that automatically turn the lights on and off based on movement and ambient light conditions, eliminating the need for complex wiring and switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lights are powered by vehicle battery with wiring and switches, then lights can be controlled and powered, but installation becomes difficult and complex wiring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source (solar panel and battery) and control system from the vehicle's existing electrical infrastructure. The light assembly becomes self-powered through solar energy conversion, eliminating the need for complex wiring to the vehicle battery and removing switches from the vehicle's control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly serves itself by incorporating a solar panel that automatically charges an internal battery, which in turn powers the LED lights. The system requires no external power connection or manual switching, as it autonomously manages its own power needs through solar energy conversion and stored electrical energy.
2Reliability
If lights are left on without automatic control, then lights remain visible, but vehicle battery drains when vehicle is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly autonomously manages its power consumption by using sensors to detect ambient light levels and automatically switching off during daytime when natural light is sufficient. This self-regulating behavior ensures lights are only active when truly needed, preventing energy waste while maintaining reliability during appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor ambient light conditions and provide feedback to the control circuitry. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts its operation, turning lights off when ambient light levels indicate daytime or sufficient illumination, thereby preventing unnecessary energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If manual switches are provided for light control, then users can turn lights on and off, but switches are not readily accessible when operating vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes manual switches from the system entirely, extracting the control function from mechanical switching to automated sensor-based control. This eliminates the need for physically accessible switches while maintaining user benefit through automatic, context-appropriate light operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical switch system with an automated control system using optical sensors and electronic control circuitry. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical switching while achieving better operational convenience through automatic detection and response to environmental conditions.
4Loss of energy
If solar panels are used to power lights, then vehicle battery is conserved, but lights require automatic on/off control based on ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: solar panels for power generation, a rechargeable battery for energy storage, LED lights for illumination, sensors for environmental detection, and control circuitry for automated operation. This merging creates a self-contained unit that achieves battery conservation while managing the necessary control complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly serves multiple functions within a single device: it generates its own power through solar panels, stores energy in a battery, provides illumination via LEDs, monitors ambient conditions through sensors, and automatically controls its operation. This multi-functionality achieves energy conservation while integrating control complexity into a unified 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 solution provides a self-sustaining, easily installable light system that conserves vehicle battery life by using solar power and sensors to manage light usage, ensuring the lights are only active when needed.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panel is configured to charge the battery
Implementation Method 2
The electronic assembly is positioned within the housing, and includes at least one LED light
Data Source
AI summary
A light attachable to an outside surface includes a base, a housing and an electronic assembly. The housing has an outer surface, an inner surface and a mating surface. The two are joined to define a substantially fluid tight cavity. The housing has a lens portion and a charging portion; each are at least one of transparent and translucent. The electronic assembly is positioned within the housing, and includes at least one LED light, control circuitry coupled to the LED light, a solar panel and a battery coupled to the control circuitry. The solar panel is configured to charge the battery. The battery is coupled to the LED light under the control of the control circuitry. A plurality of sensors provide data to the control circuitry to direct the LED light in one of an on position and an off position.