Whip Light Base Controller with Magnetic Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whip lights require two-handed operation for installation and removal, and typically have separate controllers that are not integrated with the base, limiting convenience and flexibility, especially for off-road vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A whip light system with a controller in the base that responds to smartphone app inputs for color, brightness, and flashing patterns, and features a magnetic connector for one-handed installation and removal, eliminating the need for separate controllers and allowing easy transfer between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic connector is used for one-handed installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic connector and electrical connector into a single integrated unit. This merging ensures that electrical connection only occurs when the magnetic connector is properly engaged, thereby maintaining connection reliability while enabling one-handed operation through the magnetic attachment mechanism
2Device complexity
If the controller is integrated into the base, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller in the base is designed with multiple functions including color control, brightness adjustment, and various flashing patterns. This multi-functionality compensates for the reduced adaptability of having a fixed integrated controller, allowing a single device to perform multiple lighting functions without requiring separate controllers
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate controllers are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the controller with the base unit, creating a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate external controllers and their associated wiring, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full control functionality through the integrated design
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
Enables convenient one-handed operation and integrated control of light settings, enhancing usability and versatility for off-road vehicles by integrating the controller within the base and using magnetic connectors for quick attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
features a magnetic connector for one-handed installation and removal
Data Source
AI summary
A whip light with a controller in the base of the whip light that responds to inputs via a downloadable smart phone application to control color, brightness, and flashing patterns, where the handle and tube portion of the whip light can be installed on a base and removed from a base with one hand. The base is attachable to a vehicle. The electrical interface between the handle and base includes two five-element magnetic connectors brought into abutment by attaching the handle to the base. The magnetic connectors are mounted on respective small PCBs. The mechanical interface between the handle and base includes circumferentially arranged spring-biased ball bearings in a connector portion of the handle which mates with a neck of a cover for the base. The tube encloses a plurality of light sources, preferably RGB and white LEDs that emit light radially from the long axis of the tube.