Walking Staff Illumination via Segmented Light Pipe and LED
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated walking assistance apparatuses either provide insufficient light for the user or excessive light that is not easily activatable for specific needs, lacking a balanced solution for both user illumination and signaling purposes.
Innovation Solution
An elongated staff with a diffused light pipe for general illumination, a high-intensity LED for bright beacon light, and a control circuit with motion sensor, timeout, and ambient light detector to automatically adjust lighting based on usage and environmental conditions, along with user-activatable switches for additional light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a high-intensity light source is used to provide bright illumination for the user, then the illumination intensity for the user is improved, but the light becomes too bright and distracting for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into two separate light sources: a diffused light pipe for general pathway illumination and a high-intensity LED for beacon/signaling purposes. This segmentation allows each light source to serve its specific function without the harmful effects of excessive brightness on the user, resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient illumination and avoiding light distraction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are provided for different purposes, then the versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (diffused light pipe and high-intensity LED), power sources (rechargeable battery), control systems (motion sensor, ambient light sensor, timeout circuit), and signaling functions into a single integrated walking assistance apparatus. This merging achieves versatility for both illumination and signaling purposes while managing device complexity through unified design.
3Ease of operation
If automatic control features are added to adjust lighting based on usage and environmental conditions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automatic control features including a motion sensor that detects when the apparatus is being carried and automatically activates the light pipe, an ambient light sensor that adjusts illumination based on environmental light levels, and a timeout circuit that automatically turns off lights after a predetermined period of inactivity. These self-service features improve ease of operation by eliminating manual switching while managing complexity through automated decision-making circuits.
4Duration of action of moving object
If continuous illumination is provided to ensure visibility, then the illumination duration is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through a timeout circuit that automatically turns off the light sources after a predetermined period of inactivity, and through motion-activated control that only illuminates when the apparatus is being carried. This periodic operation ensures illumination is available when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption during periods when the apparatus is stationary or not in use.
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
Provides adequate pathway illumination for the user, allows for user-activated high-intensity light for specific tasks, and automatically adjusts lighting to conserve energy, ensuring sufficient visibility without unnecessary illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a light pipe having a diffused section disposed adjacent the tip portion and having a high intensity light emitting member disposed therein to produce light around the user's feet
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor member coupled to the control circuit which automatically turns the light emitting member on when the apparatus is in use
Implementation Method 3
an ambient light detector coupled to the control circuit which prevents the light emitting member from turning on when the ambient light is sufficient for the user to walk without light assistance
Implementation Method 4
a timeout member in the control circuit which automatically turns the light emitting member off when the apparatus is at rest for a predetermined period of time
Data Source
AI summary
A walking assistance apparatus that includes an elongated staff having a handle at one end and a ground engaging tip at the other with the staff including a light pipe having a high intensity light emitting member disposed therein to produce light around the user's feet and a source of electrical energy coupled through a control circuit to energize the light emitting member. A plurality of switches are disposed on the handle to energize the light emitting member and the apparatus also includes a motion sensor which automatically turns the light emitting member ON when the apparatus is in use.