Task-Area Light Assembly with Merged Area and Flood LEDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable workspace lighting devices lack versatility and efficiency in providing both area and flood lighting with a compact design that allows for easy handling and mounting, and they often require complex power management systems.

Innovation Solution

A light assembly with a base supporting an area light emitting diode for 360-degree illumination and a flood light emitting diode, a diffuser for light distribution, a movable hanging hook for mounting options, and a removable battery pack with integrated power management for multiple power sources, including AC and DC inputs, allowing for adjustable lighting modes and efficient heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a portable lighting device provides both area lighting and flood lighting functions, then the versatility and lighting coverage are improved, but the device complexity and structural size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both area lighting and flood lighting functions into a single integrated light assembly. The housing contains both an area light source with diffuser and a flood light source, allowing the device to provide multiple lighting functions simultaneously while maintaining a compact portable form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both area illumination and flood illumination tasks. The housing integrates multiple light sources, power management components, and mounting mechanisms to enable the single device to serve multiple lighting needs in various work environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a portable lighting device includes integrated power management for multiple power sources, then the adaptability and operational flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source compatibilityVSAvoidpower management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system is designed to accept multiple power source types including rechargeable battery packs and AC power inputs. The housing integrates circuitry that can automatically or manually switch between different power sources, allowing the device to operate flexibly in various power availability scenarios without requiring separate devices for each power type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a portable lighting device includes a movable hanging hook for flexible mounting, then the ease of operation and mounting flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanging hook is designed as a movable mechanism that can be extended from and retracted into the housing. This dynamic component allows the user to configure the mounting options based on the application needs - extending the hook for hanging mounting or retracting it for portable handheld use - without adding significant structural complexity to the overall device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Illumination intensity

If a portable lighting device provides 360-degree illumination and side lighting, then the illumination coverage and workspace coverage are improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting coverageVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different light sources and optical characteristics for different lighting needs. The area light source with diffuser provides 360-degree omnidirectional illumination for general workspace coverage, while the flood light source provides directed side lighting for task-specific illumination. Each light source is optimized for its specific function, achieving comprehensive lighting coverage without requiring a single complex optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 versatile and efficient lighting solution for workspaces with adjustable lighting modes, easy handling, and flexible mounting options, while ensuring reliable power management and heat dissipation, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink positioned within the base. The heat sink includes a first portion and a second portion that is angled relative to the first portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a first light source supported by the base. The first light source includes an area light emitting diode configured to emit light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 4

light emitting diode configured to emit light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 5

a diffuser supported by the base. The diffuser extends upwardly from the base to enclose the first light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3692298B1Task-area light
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP3692298B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3692298B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3692298B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A light assembly includes a base having a receiving port, and a first light source supported by the base. The first light source includes an area light emitting diode configured to emit light in an upward direction from the base. A second light source is supported by the base and includes a flood light emitting diode configured to emit light from a side of the base. A diffuser is supported by the base and extends upwardly from the base to enclose the first light source. A battery pack is removably received in the receiving port of the base.