Tool-Mounted Illumination for Spray Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination methods in industrial settings, such as head lamps and light towers, are inadequate for providing sufficient and focused lighting, leading to operator fatigue, inefficiencies, and shadow issues during coating processes, particularly in construction environments where permanent lighting is not yet installed.
Innovation Solution
A portable illumination apparatus comprising a light head, clamp, personal mobile power supply, and mobile mounting sleeve, allowing for direct mounting on portable tools like spray guns, providing necessary lighting with adjustable positioning and extended operation without the constraints of wired power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If head lamps are used to provide concentrated light, then illumination intensity is improved, but operator fatigue increases due to frequent head movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from head-mounted illumination (wearing the light source on the head) to tool-mounted illumination (attaching the light source to the spray gun or tool). This dimensional change moves the light source from the operator's body to the tool itself, allowing concentrated light to be delivered to the work area without requiring the operator to move their head frequently, thus resolving the contradiction between light concentration and operator fatigue
2Duration of action of moving object
If head lamps with larger batteries are used to extend operation time, then duration of action is improved, but weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the illumination system from the operator's body and integrates it with the tool. The power supply is now part of the tool assembly rather than the personal protective equipment, allowing for larger battery capacity without increasing the weight burden on the operator's head or body, thus resolving the contradiction between operation duration and device weight
3Area of stationary object
If light towers are used to provide ambient lighting, then illumination coverage is improved, but freedom of movement is reduced due to wired power connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the power source from an external stationary location (light tower with wired connection) to an integrated portable unit attached to the tool. This dimensional change from external stationary power to integrated portable power eliminates the constraint of wired connections, allowing the lighting system to move freely with the operator while still providing adequate illumination coverage
4Illumination intensity
If light towers are repositioned frequently to minimize shadows, then illumination quality is improved, but productivity decreases due to setup time and wire management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, power supply, and mounting mechanism into a single integrated unit that is attached to the tool. This combination eliminates the need for separate wire management and repositioning operations, as the entire illumination system moves with the tool. The operator can reposition the light source instantly by moving the tool, maintaining optimal illumination without shadows while preserving productivity
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 offers concentrated, shadow-free illumination directly where needed, reducing operator fatigue and improving application efficiency by eliminating the need for excessive movement and minimizing power source obstructions, thus enhancing the coating process.
Implementation Method 1
The light head (2) is configured to illuminate a target area (47)
Implementation Method 2
The personal mobile power supply (28) is configured to supply the light head (2) with power
Data Source
AI summary
A portable illumination apparatus is provided for illumination of an area that is a target of a portable tool for work thereon. The apparatus includes a light head, a clamp, a personal mobile power supply, and a mobile mounting sleeve. The light head is configured to illuminate the target area. The clamp is configured allow the light head to be mounted thereon and secure the mounted light head to the portable tool. The personal mobile power supply is configured to supply the light head with power for the illumination of the target area by the light head. The mobile mounting sleeve is configured to receive the personal mobile power supply therein and secure the personal mobile power supply to an operator of the portable tool.