Zipper-Actuated Rocking Switch for Container Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional containers with zipper systems are difficult to navigate, especially in low light conditions, and pose risks due to sharp or hazardous contents, with existing lighting solutions being cumbersome and costly to install.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical-magnetic circuit, the 'MM System', utilizing a 'Rocking Switch' that activates a light source when the zipper is opened, leveraging magnetic and mechanical forces to control the switch and illuminate the container interior, featuring a battery source, light source, and Rocking Switch with a swinging door and extension, allowing easy installation and low-cost production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional zipper system is used to open and close containers, then the container can be securely closed, but it is difficult to find objects inside in low light conditions and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the zipper mechanism with a lighting system by integrating a rockable switch that is mechanically linked to the zipper slider. When the zipper is opened or closed, the slider moves the switch to toggle the light on or off, merging the closing function with the illumination control into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system activates automatically through the mechanical movement of the zipper itself. The rockable switch is positioned and oriented so that the natural sliding motion of the zipper slider during opening or closing directly actuates the switch, eliminating the need for separate manual control of the lighting.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of zipper is used, then the system is simple, but it requires hand operation and does not provide automatic illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The rockable switch acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the mechanical motion of the zipper slider into electrical circuit control. The switch is positioned and oriented to be actuated by the slider's movement, serving as a mediator that converts mechanical displacement into automatic lighting activation without requiring additional sensors or complex electronics.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting is installed in containers, then illumination is provided, but it increases cost and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the zipper closing function with the lighting control function by integrating a rockable switch that is mechanically linked to the zipper slider. When the zipper is opened or closed, the slider moves the switch to toggle the light on or off, merging the closing function with the illumination control into a single integrated system.
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 safe, efficient, and cost-effective interior illumination of containers as they are opened, enhancing visibility without compromising space or container capacity, and can be easily repaired or modified to suit various container types.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet is fixed inside of the said 'casing' (4) precisely glued in the lower part of it... One pole of the said 'magnet' (5) is in stable contact with the said 'plate' (6), while the other pole of the same is in openable contact with the said 'switch operating portion' (8)... the said 'MM System' uses a magnetic force to close and uses a mechanical force to open
Implementation Method 2
Advances in LED technology provide increase in lumen production without producing heat... a light source (2)... LED lighting on the insides of containers
Data Source
AI summary
A switch includes magnet for biasing a contact arm into a close position, the contact arm forced into an open position when an actuating force is applied to an extending portion of the arm. The switch can be operatively coupled to a zipper system of a container such that a zipper slider, when moved to a closed position of the zipper system, contact the extending portion of the arm to provide the actuating force. A circuit is formed by electrically connecting the switch to a battery and light source. The light source illuminates the interior of the container when the zipper slider is moved from a closed zipper system position.