Patent Application
20240381965
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a helmet mounted lighting device and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a helmet mounted lighting device powered by wind flow.
Increasing visibility of vehicles, in particular on road and more so during low visibility conditions (e.g. darkness, fog, rain, etc.) may be highly desirable as it may significantly reduce collisions, accidents and thus damage, injury and even death.
Closed cabin vehicle which are relatively large may be typically properly equipped with lighting means to announce their presence. However, open vehicles or at least partially open vehicles having no cabin, for example, motorcycles, bicycles, All-terrain Vehicles (ATV) and/or the like may often lack such lighting means.
Moreover, as opposed to the closed cabin vehicles, the highest point in a profile of a rider (driver and/or passenger) of such open vehicles may typically be the head of the rider or more accurately the helmet that the rider is usually obliged to wear by law. Placing a lighting device on top of the helmet may therefore significantly improve visibility of the open vehicle which in turn may lead to improved awareness of other drivers of the presence of the open vehicles.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a light assembly add-on for a helmet, comprising a housing having a curved bottom side having a surface sized and shaped to be in a tight physical connection with a top surface of a helmet, an elongated air inlet is formed in a front side of the housing such that an opening of the air inlet is perpendicular to a heading direction of the helmet. The housing comprising one or more electric generators, one or more rotors disposed horizontally behind the air inlet, each of the one or more rotors having a shaft mechanically coupled to the one or more electrical generators and a plurality of blades each having a longitudinal end connected along the shaft, a longitudinal axis of the shaft is parallel to the air inlet such that wind deflected by the air inlet is perpendicular to the longitudinal end of the plurality of blades, and one or more light emitting devices electrically connected to the one or more electric generators.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a light assembly add-on for a helmet, comprising:
In a further implementation form of the first and second aspects, the housing further comprises one or more air outlets shaped to discharge the wind from the housing.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the air inlet is configured to comprise a Venturi pipe adapted to increase pressure of the deflected wind.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the plurality of blades are configured to have a curved, concaved, and/or twisted surface.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the one or more electric generators are electrically connected to the one or more light emitting devices via one or more regulation circuits configured to stabilize an electrical current generated by the one or more electric generators and driven to the one or more light emitting devices.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the light assembly includes one or more capacitors configured to store electric energy generated by the one or more electric generators. The one or more capacitors are electrically connected to the one or more light emitting devices.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the light assembly includes one or more rechargeable batteries electrically connected to the one or more light emitting devices. The one or more rechargeable batteries are chargeable using electric energy generated by the one or more electric generators.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, one or more input power connectors are disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the one or more rechargeable batteries for charging the one or more rechargeable batteries from one or more external power sources.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the one or more light emitting devices are operated according to one or more motion parameters of a vehicle on which a user wearing the helmet is riding.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the one or more motion parameters are captured by one or more motion sensors disposed in the housing.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the one or more motion parameters are received from one or more external devices communicatively coupled to one or more controllers disposed in the housing.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the one or more light emitting devices are operated according to proximity of one or more other vehicles to the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet is riding.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the proximity is measured by one or more proximity sensors disposed in the housing.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, one or more screens disposed in the housing are operated to display one or more messages according to one or more motion parameters and/or proximity to of one or more other vehicles to the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet is riding.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the shaft is mechanically coupled to the at least one electric generator via at least one gear.
In a further implementation form of the first and second aspects, the surface of the curved bottom side comprises an adhesive surface configured to fix the bottom side of the housing to the top surface of the helmet.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the bottom side surface of the housing is connected to the top side of the helmet via a mechanical adaptor.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, one or more output power connectors are disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the one or more electric generators for powering one or more external devices.
In an optional implementation form of the first and second aspects, the light assembly is integrated in one or more other devices configured for mounting on top the helmet.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks automatically. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars are shown by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a helmet mounted lighting device and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a helmet mounted lighting device powered by wind flow.
According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a light assembly (interchangeably designated lighting device) configured to be mounted on one or more helmets used by users driving and/or riding at least partially open vehicles to increase visibility of the helmet wearing users.
In particular, the light assembly comprises one or more light emitting devices, for example, Light Emitting Diodes (LED) which are powered using air flow energy generated by wind (air) flow induced by movement of the open vehicles, for example, a motorcycle, a bicycle, an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), a jeep, a dune baggy (sandrail) and/or the like.
The light assembly may be mounted on a top surface of the helmet which is typically the highest point in the profile of the user riding the open vehicle and thus the light emitted (projected) by the light assembly may be most visible in all directions, in particular, in the direction extending from a front side of the helmet (heading direction) and/or the direction extending from a back (rear) side of the helmet (opposite to heading direction).
The light assembly may be configured to have a low profile in order to prevent it from significantly protruding out from the outline of the helmet thus making it convenient for use as well as storage. Moreover, since during the ride, large moment forces may develop on the light assembly due to the air and/or wind flow, reducing the profile of the light assembly may significantly reduce such moment forces thus increasing reliability, durability and/or robustness of the mechanical coupling as well as preventing increased stress and/or tension on the user's neck.
The light assembly may be configured to have a curved bottom having a surface sized and shaped to be in tight physical connection with the top surface of the helmet. One or more technologies, methods, and/or techniques may be employed to fix the light assembly to the top surface of the helmet to ensure an effective, reliable and robust mechanical coupling between the light assembly and the helmet. For example, the curved bottom of the light assembly may comprise an adhesive surface which may firmly stick to the top surface of the helmet. In another example, the curved bottom of the light assembly may be equipped with one or more bonding pieces, ribbons, and/or strips configured to be secured on the helmet, for example, a Velcro strip, a strip secured to the circumferential edge of the helmet and/or the like.
Optionally, a mechanical adaptor may be used to connect the light assembly to the helmet, for example, an at least partially elastic adaptor constructed of one or more materials, for example, sponge, rubber, and/or the like which may more accurately fit the curvature of the top surface of the helmet. The mechanical adaptor may be connected to the light assembly bottom surface and to the helmet top surface using one or more of the technologies, methods, and/or techniques described herein before for fixing the light assembly to the top surface of the helmet.
The light assembly may include one or more rotors each comprising a shaft and a plurality of blades disposed along the shaft and connected to the shaft at one of their longitudinal ends. Each rotor may be configured to rotate around an axis of the shaft by an air flow deflected over the blades by an air inlet formed in the housing of the light assembly in front of the rotor. The blades may employ one or more designs, configurations and/or constructions. For example, the blades may be curved along their longitudinal axis such that the blades may have curved longitudinal surfaces. In another example, the curved blades may be further twisted around their connection to the shaft, i.e. along their longitudinal axis. In another example, the blades may be concave along their longitudinal axis.
In particular, each rotor may be disposed in a horizontal position parallel to the bottom surface of the light assembly and hence substantially parallel to the ground while mounted on the helmet worn by the user riding the open vehicle. As such while the rotor(s) are adapted to the low profile of the light assembly the blades positioned horizontally and connected to the shaft of each rotor at their longitudinal end may have an increased and potentially maximal contact surface with the air flow deflected by the air inlet. Moreover, the air inlet may be configured to have an elongated opening facing most and optionally all the length of the longitudinal end of the blades thus ensuring an efficient air flow over the blades. Moreover, the internal structure of the light assembly may be configured to efficiently funnel the air deflected by the air inlet towards the blades.
As such, the deflected air (flow) hitting the increased contact surface of the blades may spin the rotor(s) with increased efficiency such that relatively weak air flow deflected by the air inlet may be sufficient for effectively rotating the rotor(s). Moreover, the increased efficiency of the air flow to rotate the rotor(s) may increase a rotation speed of the rotor(s). Moreover, the blades configured to have a concaved, curved, and/or twisted surface may further increase pressure of the air flow rotating the rotor(s) thus further increasing its rotation speed.
Optionally, the air inlet may be configured to support the Venturi effect, for example, comprise a Venturi pipe adapted to increase pressure of the deflected air flow (wind) and/or reduce turbulence of the air flowing through the housing of the light assembly.
One or more electric generators may be mechanically coupled to the rotor(s), specifically the shaft of the rotor(s) such that using the rotation mechanical energy of the shaft, the electric generator(s) may generate electric energy, for example, electric current such, as, for example, Direct Current (DC).
Optionally, one or more gear assemblies may be disposed in the light assembly to mechanically couple the electric generator(s) to the shaft of the rotor(s) in order to enable different relations of speed and/or torque between the rotating part of the electric generator(s) and the shaft(s). The gear(s) may be therefore configured to adjust the rotation speed of the electric generator(s) in order to increase and/or optimize their power generation capacity.
One or more light emitting devices installed in the light assembly and electrically connected to the electric generator(s) may be configured to emit (project) light in one or more directions, in particular, in the heading direction of the helmet and/or in the reverse direction opposite the heading direction. The light emitting device(s), for example, LED(s) may be configured to emit light characterized by one or more of a plurality of parameters, for example, a color, a spectral region, and intensity level, an emission angle and/or the like. Optionally, one or more lenses, for example, a converging lens, a diverging lens, and/or the like may be coupled to the light emitting device(s) to adjust their emitted light, for example, scatter the light, focus the light and/or the like.
While the light emitting device(s) may be electrically connected directly to the electric generator(s), optionally, one or more of the light emitting device(s) may be electrically connected to the electric generator(s) via one or more regulation circuits. The regulation circuit(s) may be configured to stabilize the electrical current generated by the electric generator(s) in order to maintain a stabilized, uniform and/or consistent current to the light emitting device(s) thus ensuring a uniform and consistent level of the light emitted by the light emitting device(s) to prevent flickering, gleaming and/or other inconsistent light effects.
Optionally, the light assembly may further include one or more capacitors chargeable using the electric energy generated by the electric generator(s) which may be used to temporarily power the light emitting device(s) while the electric generator(s) are unable to generate an electric current as result of the rotor(s) not rotating, for example, while the vehicle is not moving, the user is not facing the movement direction and/or the like. The light assembly may further optionally include one or more rechargeable batteries which may be charged using the electric energy generated by the electric generator(s) and used to power the light emitting device(s) for longer periods of time compared to the capacitor(s).
Optionally, one or more of the light emitting devices may be operated according to one or more motion parameters of the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet is riding, for example, speed (velocity), acceleration, deceleration, slow down, break down, and/or the like. The motion parameters may be measured by one or more motion sensors, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and/or the like which may be disposed in the light assembly. Optionally, one or more of the motion parameters may be received from one or more external devices, for example, a mobile device (e.g., Smartphone, Smart watch, etc.) carried by the user riding the vehicle, a motion sensor of the vehicle and/or the like.
Optionally, one or more of the light emitting devices may be operated according to proximity of one or more other vehicles to the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet is riding. The proximity may be measured by one or more proximity sensors disposed in the light assembly.
Optionally, the light assembly may comprise one or more screens, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a seven-segment display, and/or the like. the screen(s) may be operated by one or more of the controller(s) of the light assembly to display one or more messages according to one or more of the motion parameters and/or according to the proximity to other vehicle(s).
Optionally, one or more external devices, for example, a hands free earphone, a communication device, and/or the like may be electrically connected to the light assembly and powered by the electric generator(s).
Optionally, the light assembly may be integrated in one or more accessories configured for mounting on top helmets, for example, a hands free earphone, a head camera, a communication device, and/or the like.
The wind powered low profile helmet mounted light assembly may have significant benefits and advantages compared to existing light assemblies and/or devices.
First, using a sustainable energy source, i.e., air (wind) flow energy induced during the ride to power the light emitting device(s) may eliminate the need for electric energy storage devices such as batteries, rechargeable or not, as may be used by some of the exiting light assemblies. These batteries may require significant and frequent maintenance, for example, recharging, replacement and/or the like. The wind powered light assembly on the other hand does not require any such maintenance and practically once mechanically coupled to the helmet requires no additional maintenance and/or care. In addition, having no batteries, the cost of the wind powered light assembly may be significantly reduced. Furthermore, avoiding the use of batteries may significantly reduce complexity, costs and/or time of transportation of the light assembly compared to the existing battery based light assemblies which may be subject to strict regulations relating to transportation of batteries and/or products equipped with batteries.
Moreover, while the elongated rotor(s) disposed horizontally in the wind powered light assembly maintains the low profile of the light assembly, having its blades connected at their longitudinal end to the shaft thus maximizing their contact surface with the incoming air may significantly increase efficiency of the air flow energy utilization such that even relatively weak air flow (e.g. low speed of the vehicle) may be sufficient to induce rotation energy that may be converted by the electric generator(s) to electric energy sufficient for powering the light emitting device(s).
Furthermore, having a low profile, the light assembly may maintain the outline of the helmet without significantly breaking, extending and/or protruding from it thus making it highly convenient for use and/or storage and further preventing it from damage, deformation and/or the like as it may not hit, collide and/or entangle with other objects. Moreover, the low profile may be highly aerodynamic thus reducing the moment applied over the mechanical connection between the light assembly and the helmet hence significantly increasing reliability and/or durability of the mechanical connection. Furthermore, the aerodynamically shaped light assembly may prevent increased tension, stress and/or pressure induced on the user wearing the helmet, specifically on the neck of the user.
In addition, while the wind powered light assembly may not be equipped with batteries, incorporating the capacitor(s) in the light assembly may provide for temporary electric energy to power the light emitting device(s) while the electric generator(s) are unable to generate electric energy due to the rotor(s) not rotating as result of absence of incoming air flow. This may allow the light emitting device(s) to properly operate and emit light even while there is no air and/or wind flow, for example, while the vehicle temporarily stops at a traffic light, in a traffic slow down and/r traffic jam, while the user is heading away from the direction of movement (advancement) of the vehicle and/or the like.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
Referring now to the drawings,
An exemplary light assembly 102 (interchangeably designated lighting device) may be configured to be mounted on one or more helmets 104 used by users (riders) driving and/or riding at least partially open vehicles to increase visibility of the helmet wearing users. The light assembly 102 comprises one or more light emitting devices, i.e., light sources, for example, LEDs which may be powered using air flow energy generated by wind (air) flow induced by the movement of the open vehicles.
The at least partially open vehicles may typically include open vehicles having no cabin thus requiring the drivers and passengers to wear helmets, for example, a motorcycle, a bicycle, an ATV and/or the like. However, the light assembly 102 may be mounted on practically any helmet 104 used by users riding other vehicles which are not necessarily fully open, for example, a jeep, a dune baggy (sandrail) and/or the like. Moreover, while typically used in ground vehicle, the light assembly 102 may be mounted on helmets 104 used by users riding other open vehicles, for example, aerial and/or naval vehicles such as, for example, personal water craft (PWC) (jet-ski), a speedboat and/or the like.
The light assembly may be further mounted on helmets worn by one or more users not riding open vehicles but are mobile and moving in speeds sufficient to induce an air (wind) flow for powering the light emitting device(s), for example, a snow skiing user, a water skiing user, a rollerblades user, a skateboard user, a paratrooper and/or the like.
The light assembly 102 may be mounted on a top surface of the helmet 104 where light emitted (projected) by the light assembly 102 may be most visible in all directions, in particular, in the direction extending from a front side of the helmet 104 and/or the direction extending from a back (rear) side of the helmet 104. In particular, the light assembly 102 may be designed, constructed and/or configured such that when mounted on the top surface of the helmet 104 with its front side perpendicular to a heading direction of the helmet 104 and its rear (back) side perpendicular to the direction opposite the heading direction of the helmet 104, the light assembly 102 may emit (project) light that is highly visible in the heading direction and/or in the direction opposite to the heading direction.
As such, the light emitted by the light assembly 102 mounted on the helmet 104 may be highly visible in a direction extending from a front side of the helmet 104 and/or a direction extending from a rear (back) side of the helmet 104 which are typically and usually aligned with a movement vector (direction) of a user wearing the helmet 104 while riding the at least partially open vehicle.
Since the light assembly 102 is used outdoors and typically under rough weather conditions, the light assembly 102 may be designed, constructed and/or adapted to employ a rugged design which may be significantly proof and resistant to various weather conditions, for example, humidity, temperature, precipitation, i.e., rain, snow, hail, and/or the like. For example, the light assembly 102 may be designed and constructed to comply with one or more mechanical sturdiness standards and/or regulations, for example, IP67, and/or the like.
Optionally, a plurality of light assemblies 102, for example, two, three and even more may be mounted on a single helmet 104.
Reference is now made to
An exemplary light assembly such as the light assembly 102 which may be mounted on a helmet such as the helmet 104 may include a housing 202 which may be constructed of one or more parts, for example, a bottom part 202B, a top part 202T, a front part 202F and an internal part 202I. The housing 202, specifically one or more of its parts may be produced from one or more materials, compounds and/or alloys, for example, polymer, glass, metal, carbon, and/or the like.
The light assembly 102 may be configured to have a low profile in order to prevent it from significantly protruding out from the outline of the helmet 104 thus making it convenient for use as well as storage without being damaged, deformed and/or collide, mix and/or mingle with other objects while in use and/or in storage. Moreover, during the ride, large moment forces may develop on the light assembly 102 due to the air flow and/or wind flow which may weaken the mechanical coupling of the light assembly and the helmet 104. Therefore, reducing the profile of the light assembly 102 may significantly reduce such moment forces thus increasing reliability, durability and/or robustness of the mechanical coupling.
To ensure effective and robust mechanical coupling between the light assembly 102 and the helmet 104, the bottom side of the housing 202, for example, the bottom side of the bottom part 202B may have a curved bottom surface sized and shaped to be in tight physical connection with the top surface of the helmet 104.
One or more technologies, methods, and/or techniques may be employed to fix the housing 202 to the top surface of the helmet 104 to ensure an effective, reliable and robust mechanical coupling between the light assembly and the helmet. For example, the curved bottom of the housing 202 may comprise an adhesive surface which may firmly stick to the top surface of the helmet 104. In another example, the curved bottom of the light assembly may be equipped with one or more bonding pieces, ribbons, and/or strips configured to be secured on the helmet, for example, a Velcro strip configured to connect with corresponding Velcro strips attached to the top of the helmet 104, a strip secured to the circumferential edge of the helmet 104 and/or the like.
Optionally, a mechanical adaptor may be used to connect the light assembly 102, specifically the housing 202 to the helmet. The adaptor may be constructed of one or more materials which are at least partially clastic, for example, sponge, rubber, and/or the like which may more accurately fit the curvature of the top surface of the helmet 104. The mechanical adaptor may be connected to the bottom surface of the housing 202 and to the top surface of the helmet 104 using one or more of the technologies, methods, and/or techniques described herein before for fixing the housing 202 to the top surface of the helmet 104.
The structure of the housing 202 is exemplary and should not be construed as limiting since other housing designs and constructions may become apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, other shapes may be applied for the light assembly 102. In another example, the housing 202 may be constructed of different parts and optionally from a single part.
The housing 202 may comprise one or more rotors 210 each having a shaft 214 and a plurality of blades 212 disposed along the shaft 214 such that a longitude end of the blades 212 is connected to the shaft 214. Each rotor 210, specifically the shaft 214 of the rotor 210 and the blades 212 may be produced from one or more materials, for example, polymer, metal, and/or the like. The presented shaft 214 and blades 212 which are formed as part of the rotor 210 are only exemplary and should not be construed as limiting since alternative designs and/or constructions may become apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, the shaft 214 may be configured as a rod separated from the blades 212 to which the blades 212 may be connected using one or more techniques as known in the art, for example, clipped, welded, glued and/or the like.
In particular, the rotor(s) 210 may be disposed horizontally in the housing 202 such that when the housing is placed on the top surface of the helmet 104, the shaft 214 of the rotor(s) 210 may be substantially parallel to the top surface of the helmet 104. In case of a plurality of rotors 210, one or more designs and/or implementations may be applied for disposing the multiple rotors 210 horizontally in the housing 202. For example, at least some of the rotors 210 may be disposed such that the blades 212 of each rotor 210 are sufficiently distant from each other and do not have an overlapping rotation radius. In another example, in order to save space, at least some of the rotors 210 may be disposed such that the blades 212 of each rotor 210 are interleaved (interlaced) with each other and have overlapping rotation radius.
While multiple rotors 210 may be disposed in the housing 202, for brevity a single rotor 210 is described herein after. This, however, should not be construed as limiting since the same concepts, features, and/or elements described for the single rotor 210 may be similarly applied to a plurality of rotors 210.
The blades 212 may employ one or more designs, configurations and/or constructions. For example, the blades 212 may be curved along their longitudinal axis such that the longitudinal surfaces of the blades 212 may be curved. In another example, the curved blades 212 may be further twisted around their connection to the shaft 214, i.e. along their longitudinal axis. In another example, the blades 212 may be designed, produced and/or configured to have concave design such that they may be curved inward along their longitudinal axis.
The housing 202 may also include one or more electric generators 208 mechanically coupled to the rotor 210, specifically to the shaft 214, for example, a first electric generator 208A may connect to one end of the shaft 214 and a second electric generator 208B may connect to the other end of the shaft 214. As such, when the rotor 210 rotates (spins) around its longitudinal axis, one or more elements of the electric generator(s) 208 configured to rotate with the shaft 214 may convert the rotational mechanical movement to electric energy as known in the art, specifically to an electrical current, for example, a Direct Current (DC).
The rotor 210, specifically the shaft 214 and the electric generator(s) 208 may be mechanical coupled using one or more designs and/or constructions. For example, one or more of the electric generator(s) 208 may include a mechanical extension 220, for example, a bar, a pole, a rod and/or the like which may mechanically connect to the shaft 214 of the rotor 210. As such, a mechanical extension 220A may extend out of the first electric generator 208A and a mechanical extension 220B may extend out of the first electric generator 208B which may both connect to the shaft 214. In another example, the shaft 214 itself may extend out of one or more ends of the rotor 210 and mechanically connect to one or more of the electric generator(s) 208. In another example, the shaft 214 may connect to one or more of the electric generator(s) 208 via one or more mechanical energy conveyers configured to transfer torque, for example, a cogwheel, a pulley, a conveyor belt and/or the like.
Optionally, the shaft 214 may be mechanical coupled to the electric generator(s) 208 via one or more gear assemblies disposed in the housing 202. The gear(s) may be configured to support different relations of speed and/or torque between the rotating part of the electric generator(s) 208 and the shaft(s) 214. The gear(s) may be therefore designed, configured, and/or adapted to adjust the rotation speed of the electric generator(s) 208 in order to increase and/or optimize their power generation capacity.
The housing 202 may further include one or more light emitting devices 204 configured to emit (project) light, for example, a LEDs and/or the like electrically connected to the electric generator(s) 208. One or more of the light emitting devices 204 may simply comprise one or more light sources, such as, for example, a LED. However, optionally, one or more of the light emitting devices 204 may further comprise one or more circuits for driving and controlling one or more parameters of the power driven to the LED(s), for example, current, voltage, frequency and/or the like in order to adjust and/or condition one or more light emission attributes of the LED(s), for example, intensity, color, blinking rate, and/or the like.
The electric generator(s) 208 may typically comprise one or more Direct Current (DC) electric generators configured to generate a DC current that is driven to the light emitting device(s) 204. Optionally the electric generator(s) 208 may comprise one or more Alternating Current (AC) electric generators configured to generate an AC current. In such case, the light emitting device(s) 204 electrically connected to the AC electric generator(s) 208 may be configured to operate with AC current. Alternatively, since typically, the light emitting device(s) 204 may comprise DC devices, the AC current generated by the AC electric generator(s) 208 may be driven to one or more of such DC light emitting device(s) 204 via one or more AC/DC conversion circuits, for example, a rectifying circuit, a diode bridge, and/or the like.
One or more of the light emitting device(s) 204 may be electrically connected directly to the electric generator(s) 208. However, optionally, one or more of the light emitting device(s) 204 may be electrically connected to the electric generator(s) 208 via one or more regulation circuits configured to adjust, condition, and/or stabilize the electrical current generated by the electric generator(s) 208 and driven to the light emitting device(s) 204. The regulation circuit(s) may further protect the light emitting device(s) 204 against one or more deviations and/or irregularities in the current coming out of the electric generator(s) 208, for example, power surge, over current, and/or the like.
The regulation circuit(s) may be configured according to the architecture of the electric generator(s) 208 and/or the light emitting device(s) 204. For example, in case of DC electric generator(s) 208 and DC light emitting device(s) 204, the regulation circuits may comprise one or more DC/DC converters, Low Droop Out Integrated Circuits (IC), and/or the like configured to adjust, condition, and/or stabilize the DC current driven to the light emitting device(s) 204. In another example, in case of AC electric generator(s) 208 and DC light emitting device(s) 204, the regulation circuits may comprise one or more AC/DC converters configured to convert, adjust, condition, and/or stabilize the DC current driven to the light emitting device(s) 204. Maintaining a stabilized, uniform and/or consistent current to the light emitting device(s) 204 may ensure a uniform and consistent level of the light emitted by the light emitting device(s) to prevent flickering, gleaming and/or other inconsistent light effects.
Moreover, one or more of the regulation circuits, for example, the DC/DC converter, the AC/DC converter and/or the like may be configured to convert a voltage level of the DC and/or DC current respectively coming in from one or more of the electric generator(s) 208 to a different voltage level driven to one or more of the light emitting device(s) 204. This may enable adjustment of the voltage level between the voltage generated by the electric generator(s) 208 and the voltage level suitable for the light emitting device(s) 204.
The light emitting device(s) 204 may be disposed in the housing 202 such they emit light to a front direction and/or to a back (rear) direction of the light assembly 102. For example, one or more LEDs 204F may be disposed in the housing 202 to emit light to the front direction of the light assembly 102. In another example, one or more LEDs 204R may be disposed in the housing 202 to emit light to the rear direction of the light assembly 102. The light emitting device(s) 204 may be disposed in the housing 202 in one or more patterns, shapes and/or configurations, for example, a vertical strip (line), a horizontal strip, a circle, a square, and/or the like.
Moreover, the light emitting device(s) 204 may be typically protected by one or more protection means 206 which may be at least partially transparent and/or translucent, for example, a plate, a visor, a screen and/or the like which may be at least partially transparent to transfer the light emitted by the light emitting device(s) 204 while preventing exposure of the light emitting device(s) 204 to the external environment. For example, a front transparent protection plate 206F may be placed to protect the front LEDs 204F. In another example, a rear transparent protection plate 206R may be placed to protect the rear LEDs 204R.
The light emitting device(s) 204 may be low power devices configured and/or selected to emit significant light while consuming very low electric current. Moreover, the light emitting device(s) 204 may be configured and/or selected to emit light characterized by one or more of a plurality of parameters, for example, a color, a spectral region, and intensity level, an emission angle and/or the like. For example, the front LED(s) 204F may be configured to emit white light while the rear LED(s) 204R may be configured to emit red light. In another example, the front LED(s) 204F may be configured to emit reduced intensity light compared to the rear LED(s) 204R which may be configured to emit high intensity light.
Optionally, one or more lenses, for example, a converging lens, a diverging lens, and/or the like may be coupled to the light emitting device(s) 204 to adjust the light emitted (projected) from the light emitting device(s) 204, for example, scatter the projected light, focus the projected light and/or the like.
Optionally, one or more of the light emitting devices 204 may be operated according to one or more motion parameters of the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet 104 is riding, for example, speed, acceleration, deceleration, break down, a turn, and/or the like. For example, one or more of the light emitting devices 204 which are typically OFF may be turned ON when the vehicle is decelerating, slowing down and/or breaking down. In another example, one or more of the light emitting devices 204, for example, a light emitting device 204 disposed on a left side of the housing 202 may be operated to blink (beat) when the vehicle turns left while one or more of the light emitting devices 204, for example, a light emitting device 204 disposed on a right side of the housing 202 may be operated to blink (beat) when the vehicle turns right.
The light emitting device(s) 204 may be operated by one or more controllers of the light assembly 102, for example, a controller, a processor, a control circuit and/or the like disposed in the housing 202 and configured to operate the light emitting device(s) 204 according to the motion parameter(s).
The motion parameters may be measured, for example, by one or more motion sensors, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and/or the like disposed in the housing 202 and configured to monitor the motion (movement) of the light assembly 102. light assembly.
However, one or more of the motion parameters may be received by the controller of the light assembly 102 from one or more external devices which are communicatively coupled to the controller via one or more wireless and/or wired communication channels, for example, Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN, e.g., Wi-Fi), Radio Frequency (RF) and/or the like. For example, the controller of the light assembly 102 may communicate with one or more mobile devices (e.g., Smartphone, Smart watch, wearable device, etc.) carried by the user riding the vehicle which may measure one or more motion parameters relating to the carrying user riding the vehicle.
In another example, the controller of the light assembly 102 may communicate with one or more devices, sensors, and/or controller of the vehicle which are configured to measure one or more motion parameters of the vehicle. Moreover, the controller may communicate with one or more control devices, systems, and/or controllers of vehicle which may detect state, and/or conditions of one or more motion systems of the vehicle, for example, a throttle, a breaking lever, and/or the like to receive information relating to motion of the vehicle, for example, acceleration (throttle), deceleration (breaking lever), and/or the like.
Optionally, one or more of the light emitting devices 204 may be operated by the controller of the light assembly 102 according to proximity of one or more other vehicles to the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet 104 is riding. The controller may receive proximity information from one or more proximity sensors disposed in the housing 202 and configured to measure distance of the housing, and thus of the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet 104 is riding, from one or more other vehicles. For example, assuming that based on the proximity information measured by a proximity sensor disposed in the back of the housing, the controller determines that the distance to a certain vehicle located behind the vehicle is below a certain threshold, for example, 15 meters, the controller may turn ON one or more of the light emitting devices 204 which are typically OFF. In another example, in such case the controller may increase the level or brightness of the light emitted by one or more of the light emitting devices 204.
Optionally, the light assembly 102 may comprise one or more screens, for example, an LCD, a seven-segment display, and/or the like which may be disposed in the housing 202. The screen(s) may be operated by one or more of the controller(s) of the light assembly 102 to display one or more messages according to one or more of the motion parameters and/or according to the proximity to other vehicle(s). the messages may comprise text, symbols, graphics, a combination thereof and/or the like.
For example, assuming an LCD is disposed in the housing 202, typically facing the rear of the helmet 104 and thus the rear of the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet 104 is riding. In such case, the controller may operate the LCD to display a warning message, for example, a red colored exclamation mark in case a trailing vehicle is detected at a distance which is less than a predefined distance, for example, 15 meters. In another example, the controller may operate the LCD to display an alert message, for example, a text message reading “BREAKING” when a deceleration motion is detected for the vehicle on which the user wearing the helmet 104 is riding.
In another example, assuming a seven-segment display is disposed in the housing 202, typically facing the rear of the helmet 104. In such case, the controller may operate the LCD to display the distance of a closest vehicle trailing the on which the user wearing the helmet 104 is riding, possibly fast blinking in case the distance is less than a predefined distance, for example, 15 meters such that the driver of the trailing vehicle is aware of the close proximity.
As seen, the housing 202 may be designed, produced and constructed to have an elongated air inlet 216 formed in its front, for example, in the front part 202F. In particular, the air inlet 216 may be configured and/or shaped to have an elongated opening perpendicular to the heading direction of the helmet 104.
The rotor 210 may be disposed in the housing 202 behind the air inlet 216 with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 214 parallel to the opening of the air inlet 216 such that air deflected by the air inlet 216 is perpendicular to the longitudinal end of the blades 212. In particular, assuming the blades 212 are curved as described herein before, the rotor 210 may be disposed behind the air inlet 216 such that an inward curvature (concave) of the curved blades 212 may face the elongated opening of the air inlet 216. This may significantly increase rotation efficiency of the rotor 210 by the air flow deflected by the air inlet 216 to hit the curved blades 212.
Moreover, the housing 202 and/or the front part 202F may be configured to efficiently funnel the air deflected by the air inlet 216 towards the longitudinal end of the blades 212.
As such, the air (wind) deflected by the air inlet 216 into the housing 202 may hit the blades 212 and may spin the rotor 210 thus rotating the shaft 214. In particular, since the rotor 210 is disposed behind the air inlet 216 such that the deflected air hits the longitudinal surfaces of the blades 214, the contact surface of the deflected air with the blades 212 is maximized and is thus extremely large. The efficiency of the deflected air (flow) to spin the rotor 210 may be therefore significantly increased. As such even a relatively weak air flow deflected by the air inlet 216 may be sufficient for effectively rotating the rotor 210 to enable to the electric generator(s) 208 to generate electric energy. Moreover, the increased efficiency may cause the rotor 210 to spin faster thus increasing electric energy production at the electric generator(s) 208 which may be used to increase intensity of the light emitted by the light emitting device(s) 204.
Optionally, the air inlet 216 may be configured to support the Venturi effect, for example, through a Venturi pipe to increase pressure of the air flow (wind) deflected into the hosing 202 and hitting the blades 214 thus further increasing a rotation speed of the rotor 210. The air inlet 216 comprising the Venturi pipe may also reduce turbulence of the air flowing through the housing 202 of the light assembly 102. As such, the air inlet 216 may have a constricted structure wherein one or more of its sections (segments) may have smaller diameter compared to preceding sections thus increasing the pressure of the air going through the air inlet 216.
Reference is now made to
As seen in capture 302, an exemplary rotor such as the rotor 210 may comprise a plurality of blades such as the blades 212 connected at their longitudinal end to a shift such as the shift 214 of the rotor 210. As seen, the blades 212 may be designed, produced and/or configured to be curved such that their longitudinal surfaces are curved. Moreover, as seen in the capture 302, the curved blades 212 may be twisted around their connection to the shaft 214, i.e. along their longitudinal axis. The shaft 214 of the rotor 210 may be mechanically coupled and connected to one or more electric generators such as the electric generator 208, for example, the electric generators 208A and 208b each connected at another end of the shaft 214.
As seen in capture 304, the rotor 210 may be disposed in a housing such as the housing 202. For example, the rotor 210 may be disposed in a bottom part of the housing 202 such as the bottom part 202B which may comprise one or more mechanical provisions, for example, a notch, a groove and/or the like to receive and accommodate the rotor 210 and/or the electric generators 208. In particular, the rotor 210 may be disposed in the housing 202 horizontally such that the housing 202 may be configured to have a low aerodynamic profile.
As seen in capture 306, a top part such as the top part 202T which may integrate at least a portion of a front part such as the front part 202F may be mechanically connected to the bottom part 20B. The top part 202T may include one or more mechanical provisions to secure the rotor 210 in place when the top part 202T is mechanically coupled with the bottom part 202. As seen, an air inlet such as the air inlet 216 may be formed in the top part 20T such that when the top part 202T is mechanically coupled with the bottom part 202B, the air inlet 216 is located in front of the rotor 210. The air inlet 216 may be configured to have an elongated opening stretching in front of most the length of the blades 212 and across the entire length of the blades 212.
Reference is made once again to
The housing 202 may be further designed, produced and constructed to have one or more air outlets 218 formed and shaped to discharge air from the housing 202, specifically air deflected into the housing 202 from the air inlet 216. In order to create an efficient air flow through the housing 202 and prevent turbulences which may degrade rotation of the rotor 210 the air outlets 218 may be typically formed behind the rotor 210 in the rear side of the housing 202, for example, in the rear part 202R and/or the side walls of the top part 202T.
Optionally, the housing 202 further includes one or more capacitors chargeable using the electric energy generated by the electric generator(s) 208 which may be used to power the light emitting device(s) 204. The capacitor(s) may be therefore electrically connected to the electric generator(s) 208 and to the light emitting device(s) 204. One or more charging circuits may be disposed in the housing 202 for charging the capacitor(s) as known in the art.
The capacitor(s) may store electric energy which may be used to temporarily power the light emitting device(s) 204 while the electric generator(s) 208 are unable to generate an electric current as result of the rotor 210 not rotating due to absence of an incoming air (wind) flow. Absence of the air flow at least temporarily may result from one or more reasons. For example, the air flow may be lost when the vehicle stops moving, for example, at a red traffic light, at a stop sign, due to traffic slow down or traffic stand still and/or the like. In another example, the air flow may be lost when the user wearing the helmet turn his head such that the air inlet 216 is not facing, at least partially, the movement direction of the vehicle.
The capacitance value of the capacitor(s), which may dictate one or more of parameters of the capacitor(s), for example, technology (e.g., electrolytic capacitor, super-capacitor, ultra-capacitor, etc.), size, costs, reliability, and/or the like, may be defined by one or more operational parameters and considerations. For example, the operational parameters may include a power consumption of the light emitting device(s) 204 which may define the electric energy that needs to be stored in the capacitor(s). This means that high power light emitting device(s) 204 and/or a larger number of light emitting device(s) 204 may require larger capacity capacitor(s) while low power light emitting device(s) 204 and/or fewer light emitting device(s) 204 may require lower capacity capacitor(s). In another example, the operational parameters may include a predefined maximal period of time for the light emitting device(s) 204 to be powered by the electrical energy stored in the capacitor(s) since higher capacity capacitor(s) may be used for powering the light emitting device(s) 204 for longer time periods while lower capacity capacitor(s) may be used for powering the light emitting device(s) 204 for shorter time periods.
Optionally, the housing 202 further includes one or more rechargeable batteries which may be charged using the electric energy generated by the electric generator(s) 208. The battery(s) may be therefore electrically connected to the electric generator(s) 208 and to the light emitting device(s) 204. One or more charging circuits may be disposed in the housing 202 for charging the rechargeable battery(s) as known in the art. The battery(s) may be used to power the light emitting device(s) 204 while the electric generator(s) 208 is unable to generate an electric current due to absence of incoming air and thus no rotation of the rotor 210. In particular, the battery(s) may be used to power the light emitting device(s) 204 for longer time periods compared to the capacitor(s).
Optionally, one or more of the rechargeable batteries may be chargeable from one or more external power sources via one or more charging cables connected to one or more input power connectors, outlets, ports, and/or the like (e.g. USB port, etc.) disposed in the housing 202 and internally connected to the rechargeable battery(s), optionally via one or more charging and/or regulation circuits. For example, the rechargeable battery(s) may be charged, via a charging cable, from a mobile device (e.g., phone, tablet, etc.) of one or more of the user(s) which may be carried by the user and/or placed in the vehicle, for example, in a cradle, and/or the like. In another example, the rechargeable battery(s) may be charged, via a charging cable connected to a power outlet of the vehicle, from a power source of the vehicle itself, for example, a battery of the vehicle, an electric generator of the vehicle and/or the like. While they may be charged from the external power source(s) during the ride, the rechargeable battery(s) may be optionally charged prior to start of the ride such that after the battery(s) is at least partially charged the charging cable may be disconnected for the duration of the ride.
Optionally, one or more output power connectors, outlets, ports, and/or the like (e.g. USB port, etc.) may be disposed in the housing 202 and electrically connected to one or more of the electric generator(s) 208 for powering one or more external devices. For example, one or more accessory devices, for example, a hands free earphone, a head camera, a communication device, and/or the like may be connected via a charging cable to the output power connector(s) disposed in the housing 202 to receive power generated by the electric generator(s) 208, or optionally stored in the capacitor(s) and/or rechargeable battery(s) disposed in the housing 202.
Optionally, the light assembly 102 may be integrated in one or more accessories mounted, fixed, attached, and/or otherwise mechanically coupled to the helmet 104, for example, a hands free earphone, a head camera, a communication device, and/or the like.
Reference is now made to
As seen in a front view 402 of a light assembly such as the light assembly 102, a rotor such as the rotor 210 comprising a shaft such as the shift 214 and a plurality of blades such as the blades 212 may be disposed in a housing such as the housing 202. The rotor 210 may be disposed horizontally in the housing 210 behind an elongated air inlet such as the air inlet 216 formed in a front side of the housing 202 such that after assembly the air inlet 216 is located in front of the rotor 210. As such air deflected by the air inlet 216 into the housing 202 may hit the blades 212 and spin the rotor 210 thus rotating the shaft 214 which in turn may rotate one or more elements of one or more electric generators such as the electric generator 208 which may generate electric current to power a plurality of light emitting device(s) such as the light emitting device(s) 204. As evident, the rotor 210 disposed horizontally in the housing 202 is adapted to maintain the low profile of the light assembly 102 while maximizing the contact surface of the blades 214 with the air deflected from the air inlet 216 since the air hits the longitudinal surfaces of the blades 214.
As seen in a rear view 404 of the light assembly 102, an air outlet may be formed in a rear (back) side of the housing 202 to discharge the incoming air from the housing 202.
As seen in a top view 406 of the light assembly 102, the air inlet 216 is elongated and configured to deflect air over the longitudinal surfaces of the blades 212 such that the contact area is increased to increase rotation efficiency of the blades 212 by the deflected incoming air.
As seen in a side view 408 the bottom surface of the light assembly 102 is curved and configured to tightly fit in physical connection with the top surface of a helmet such as the helmet 104.
Reference is now made to
An exemplary process 500 may be applied to produce a light assembly (lighting device) such as the light assembly 102.
As shown at 502, the process 500 starts with producing a housing such as the housing 202 which may be constructed of one or more parts, for example, a bottom part such as, for example, the bottom part 202B, a top part such as, for example, the top part 202T, a front part such as, for example, the front part 202F, an internal bottom part such as, for example, the internal part 202I and/or the like.
As described herein before, the housing 202 may be configured to have a low profile. The housing 202 may be further produced to have a curved bottom surface configured to tightly physically couple to a helmet such as the helmet 104.
The housing 202, specifically one or more of its parts may be produced from one or more materials, for example, polymer, glass, metal, and/or the like using one or more production methods known in the art, for example, molding, casting, 3D printing, CNC machining and/or the like. Typically, the housing 202, in particular its external parts which may be exposed to harsh environmental conditions (e.g. sun radiation, temperature changes, rain, etc.) may be produced using high durability materials as known in the art.
As shown at 504, the process 500 continues with producing one or more rotors such as the rotor 210 each comprising a shaft such as the shift 214 and a plurality of blades such as the blades 212. The rotor(s) 210 may be produced from one or more materials, for example, polymer, metal, and/or the like using one or more production methods known in the art, for example, molding, casting, 3D printing, CNC machining and/or the like.
As shown at 506, the housing 202 may be partially assembled. For example, the internal part 202I configured to enable mechanical connection and disposal of the components of the light housing 202 may be mechanically coupled to the bottom part 202B. In another example, the front part 202F may be further assembled and mechanically coupled to the bottom part 202I. The assembly of the parts of the housing 202 may be done using one or more techniques and/or methods known in the art, for example, clipping, clamping, gluing, welding, screwing and/or the like.
As shown at 508, the rotor(s) 210 may be disposed in the partially assembled housing 202. For example, the bottom part 202B may include one or more mechanical provisions, for example, a notch, a groove and/or the like configured to receive and accommodate the rotor(s) 210, specifically such that each rotor 210 may be rotatable around the axis of its shaft 214. In particular, the rotor(s) 210 may be disposed in the housing 202 behind an air inlet such as the air inlet 216 formed in the front side of the housing 202, for example, in the front part 20F.
As shown at 510, one or more electric generators such as the electric generator 208 may be disposed in the partially assembled housing 202 and mechanically coupled to the rotor(s) 210, specifically to the shaft(s) 214 of the rotor(s) 210. For example, two electric generators such as the electric generators 208A and 208B may be disposed at the two ends of one or more of the rotor(s) 210 and mechanically couple to the two ends of the shaft 214 via mechanical extension such as the mechanical extensions 220A and 220B respectively. The electric generators 208A and 208B may be disposed and secured using one or more mechanical provisions, for example, a notch, a groove and/or the like formed in the bottom part 202B which are configured to receive and accommodate the electric generators 208A and 208B.
As shown at 512, the electric generator(s) 208 may be electrically connected to one or more light emitting devices such as the light emitting device 204, for example, LED(s) which may be disposed and placed such that light emitted by the light emitting device(s) 204 may be directed to a front and/or back side of the light assembly 102. Moreover, one or more protection components, specifically at least partially transparent and/or translucent elements such as the plates 206F and/or 206R may be placed to isolate the light emitting device(s) 204 from the external environment in order to protect the light emitting device(s) 204 against damage.
As described herein before, optionally the light emitting device(s) 204 may be electrically connected to the electric generator(s) 208 via regulation circuit(s) configured to maintain a uniform, consistent and/or stable current to the light emitting device(s) 204. Optionally, one or more capacitors may be electrically connected to the light emitting device(s) 204 and to the electric generator(s) 208 such that the capacitor(s) may be charged by the electric energy produced by the electric generator(s) 208 and power the light emitting device(s) 204 using the electric energy stored in the capacitor(s). Optionally, one or more rechargeable batteries may be electrically connected to the light emitting device(s) 204 and to the electric generator(s) 208 such that the battery(s) may be recharged by the electric energy produced by the electric generator(s) 208 and power the light emitting device(s) 204 using the electric energy stored in the battery(s).
Optionally, one or more input power connectors, outlets, ports, and/or the like (e.g. USB port, etc.) may be disposed in the housing 202 and electrically connected to one or more of the rechargeable batteries to support charging of the rechargeable battery(s) from one or more external power sources.
Optionally, one or more output power connectors, outlets, ports, and/or the like (e.g. USB port, etc.) may be disposed in the housing 202 and electrically connected to one or more of the electric generator(s) 208 to support powering of one or more external devices.
Optionally, one or more motion sensors may be disposed in the housing 202 for measuring one or more motion parameters.
Optionally, one or more controllers, for example, a controller, a processor, a control circuit and/or the like may be disposed in the housing 202 for controlling and/or operating one or more of the modules of the light assembly 102. Moreover, one or more communication devices may be optionally disposed in the housing 202 to enable the controller(s) to communicate with one or more external devices via one or more wireless and/or wired communication channels, for example, BT, BLE, and/or the like.
Optionally, one or more screens, for example, an LCD, a seven-segment display, and/or the like may be disposed in the housing 202.
As shown at 514, the housing 202 may be completely assembled. Continuing the previously presented example, the top part 202T may be mechanically coupled to the partially assembled housing 202 in which the bottom part 202B, the front part 202F and the internal part 202I are already mechanically coupled.
As shown at 516, one or more bonding provisions and/or materials may be applied to the housing 202 to support attachment of its bottom curved surface to the top surface of the helmet 104 such that the light assembly is firmly and robustly fixed to the helmet 104. For example, one or more adhesive materials may be attached and/or placed on the bottom surface of the housing 202, for example, on the bottom surface of the bottom part 202. The adhesive material used to mechanically couple the light assembly 102 to the helmet 104 may include on or more materials and/or technologies known in the art, for example, an adhesive tape, an adhesive gel and/or the like. The adhesive material may be typically covered and protected with a protection sheet, paper and/or the like which may be removed (e.g. peeled, etc.) in order to mechanically couple the light assembly 102 to the helmet 104. In another example, one or more attachment ribbons, surfaces, and/or the like, for example, Velcro strips may be attached to the bottom surface of the housing 202 such that Velcro strips may connect to corresponding Velcro strips attached to the top surface of the helmet 104.
The light assembly 102 in general and the housing 202 in particular, may be designed, constructed and/or adapted to employ a rugged design according to one or more mechanical sturdiness standards and/or regulations, for example, IP67, and/or the like.
Optionally, the light assembly 102 may be produced as an integral part of one or more accessories mounted, fixed, attached, and/or otherwise mechanically coupled to the helmet 104, for example, a hands free earphone, a head camera, a communication device, and/or the like.
The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
As used herein the term “about” refers to +10%.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.
The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.
As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, an instance or an illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.
The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals there between.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/243,261 filed on 13 Sep. 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2022/050986 | 9/12/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63243261 | Sep 2021 | US |
