Light Switch Cover Plate With Removable Emergency Flashlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners face difficulties in locating and using flashlights during emergencies, as they are often misplaced or have dead batteries, and existing solutions do not seamlessly integrate with home decor.
Innovation Solution
A storage device incorporating a light switch cover plate with a removable flashlight, which is electrically connected to a power source, allowing easy access and recharging while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flashlight is stored separately from the light switch cover, then it is easy to access, but it is difficult to locate during emergencies and may not be readily available when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flashlight storage function with the light switch cover by creating a cavity within the cover that houses the flashlight. The flashlight is electrically connected to the home's power source through the light switch mechanism, allowing it to be charged automatically when the switch is in the 'on' position. This merging ensures the flashlight is always located at a known position (on the wall cover) and is ready for use during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The light switch cover is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as an electrical switch cover and a flashlight storage unit. The cover includes both the light switch mechanism and a powered flashlight, allowing it to perform multiple functions: controlling lighting and providing emergency illumination. This eliminates the need for separate storage locations and ensures the flashlight is always accessible at the switch location.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated flashlight storage device is installed, then the flashlight is always accessible, but it requires additional switches or modifications to home decor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flashlight storage function with the existing light switch cover, eliminating the need for separate storage devices or additional switches. The flashlight is integrated into the cover's cavity and powered through the existing electrical wiring and switch mechanism, requiring no modifications to home decor while providing constant accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The light switch cover is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as an electrical switch cover and a flashlight storage unit. The cover includes both the light switch mechanism and a powered flashlight, allowing it to perform multiple functions: controlling lighting and providing emergency illumination. This eliminates the need for separate storage locations and ensures the flashlight is always accessible at the switch location.
3Reliability
If the flashlight is permanently installed, then it is always ready for use, but it cannot be removed or replaced when batteries are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight is designed as a separable component that can be easily removed from and reinstalled into the light switch cover. The electrical connection is made through contacts that engage when the flashlight is inserted into the cover's cavity, allowing the flashlight to be replaced when needed while maintaining a permanent, ready-to-use installation. This segmentation enables both constant readiness and easy replacement of the flashlight unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device for storing a removable flashlight. The storage device includes an electrical switch surrounded by a cover plate. A power source is electrically connected to the electrical switch. A removable flashlight is removably connected to the cover plate. The removable flashlight is stored in the storage device and removable from the storage device when needed for use.