Universal Battery Light Circuit and Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable lights are limited by the need for specific battery types, sizes, and chemistries, which can be inconvenient and dangerous in emergency or remote settings, as they require multiple batteries or larger designs to accommodate different sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A portable light with a cylindrical compartment that accommodates batteries of varying sizes and shapes, featuring movable electrical contacts and an electronic circuit that determines the battery type and adjusts the operating conditions accordingly, allowing operation with different battery types without additional compartments or lobes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lights are designed to accept a specific battery type and size, then the light can operate reliably with standardized batteries, but the user must carry multiple battery types or limit light selection to those accepting a particular battery
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is designed with a single universal configuration that can accommodate multiple battery types (AA, AAA, C, D, CR123, CR2) through strategic placement of electrical contacts and use of conductive putty, eliminating the need for multiple specialized compartments while maintaining reliable electrical connection across different battery chemistries and sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate battery compartments or distinct sections are added to accommodate different battery sizes, then the light can accept various battery types, but the light becomes substantially larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple battery accommodation capabilities are merged into a single battery compartment by using adjustable electrical contacts and conductive putty that can adapt to different battery positions and sizes, eliminating the need for separate compartments or lobes for different battery types while maintaining a compact light design
3Ease of manufacture
If the battery compartment is designed for a specific battery chemistry and size, then the electrical connection is optimized, but replacement batteries must match the exact specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is made dynamic through the use of adjustable contacts and conductive putty that can be positioned and shaped to match different battery types and sizes, allowing the same compartment to maintain optimized electrical connection for various battery chemistries and dimensions without requiring exact specification matching
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit and/or method that determines a type and/or size of a battery in a light and controls operation of a light source may comprise: a circuit measuring the voltage of the battery; and a processor for determining the measured battery voltage. The processor may compare the measured battery voltage and a predetermined voltage and set an operating condition of the light source based upon the difference between the measured battery voltage and the predetermined voltage. The processor may apply a predetermined load to the battery for a predetermined time and measure battery voltage during the predetermined time; and determine the difference between the measured voltage of the battery and the measured battery voltage during the predetermined time.