Electric Torch Magnetic Switch Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric torches lack convenient and reliable electrical current control, especially when mounted or worn, and often suffer from poor waterproofing and limited functionality, failing to meet the needs of emergency workers who require versatile and rechargeable lighting solutions.
Innovation Solution
The electric torch design incorporates a main body with a battery pack, a head assembly with conductive terminals, and a rear assembly featuring a magnetic controlled member and conductive spring, allowing for easy switching of current flow between internal and external switches or a charger, while maintaining waterproof integrity through non-conductive surface treatments and insulative components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tail plug is used for electrical connection with outer switch or charger, then the torch can be recharged or used as power supply, but the waterproof performance deteriorates and may cause wrong lighting in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from a traditional tail plug and relocates it to the head assembly. The head assembly now contains both the bulb terminals and the external switch/charger connection terminals, eliminating the need for a separate tail plug that would compromise waterproofing. This allows the rear end to maintain full waterproof sealing while preserving rechargeability and external switch functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the bulb with its terminals for light emission, and simultaneously contains the external switch and charger connection terminals for electrical control and recharging. This multi-functional integration at the head assembly eliminates the need for separate connection points that would compromise waterproofing.
2Device complexity
If only one switch is set on the main body, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the torch is mounted or worn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching function into two separate locations: an internal switch within the main body and an external switch mounted on the head assembly. This segmentation allows users to operate the torch from different positions - the internal switch when holding the torch, and the external switch when the torch is mounted or worn, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The external switch on the head assembly acts as an intermediary control mechanism that enables operation when the torch is mounted or worn. It provides an additional access point for electrical control, mediating between the user's need for convenient operation and the fixed mounting position of the torch.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switch and tail plug are used, then the torch can be controlled and recharged, but the device complexity increases and waterproofing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bulb terminals and external switch/charger terminals into a single integrated head assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate tail plugs and reduces the number of electrical connection points, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining full electrical control functionality and rechargeability.
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
This design enables reliable and versatile control of electrical current, ensuring the torch remains waterproof and functional, even when exposed to water, and allows for recharging or use as a power supply, making it suitable for emergency workers.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic controlled member is disposed between the cathode plate and rear end of the rear cover, which can divert electric current flows in the torch under an attractive force of a magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An electric torch (10) includes a main body (1), a head assembly (2), and a rear assembly (3) releasably engaged with a rear end of the main body. The rear assembly includes a rear cover (31) for enclosing an electrically conductive spring (315), an electrically conductive cathode plate (314), and a magnetic controlled member (313, 318) therein. The spring is electrically engaged between negative terminal (152) of the battery pack and the cathode plate. The magnetic controlled member is disposed between the cathode plate and rear end of the rear cover, and can divert electric current flows in the torch under an attractive force of a magnet. The main body and the rear cover are electrically conductive, and given an electrically nonconductive surface treatment except for certain areas (11-13, 3111-3112, 3121, 3121′, 3122) for electrically connection. The torch is waterproof and multifunctional.