DESC:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to emergency light devices and more particularly, to an emergency light bulb apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Emergency light devices have gained quite some popularity in the recent years. For example, emergency light bulbs are widely used around the globe nowadays. As is generally known, the emergency light bulbs include a rechargeable battery, which supplies power to an illuminating device in absence of mains power supply. Therefore, when the mains power supply is being provided to the light bulb, the rechargeable battery will be charged. In case the mains power supply is not available, the rechargeable battery starts supplying the operating power to the bulb. Therefore, even in the absence of the mains power supply, the bulb can be operated by drawing power from the rechargeable battery.

One of the prominent shortcomings of such bulbs is the over-heating of the rechargeable battery. In case of overcharging or any other adverse circumstances, malfunction of the rechargeable battery poses a serious concern. Sometimes, the battery may melt within the bulb due to the overcharging. This would damage the internal components of the bulb and therefore, shorten the service life. In some of the existing bulbs, one or more slots are provided in a housing of the bulb for heat dissipation. However, introducing such slots in the housing hampers an overall strength of the bulb structure. Moreover, the presence of such slots may result into dust accumulation inside and outside the bulb, which could also affect an operation of the bulb.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an emergency light bulb apparatus is disclosed. The emergency light bulb apparatus includes a housing, at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED), and a rechargeable battery adapted to supply power to the at least one LED in absence of mains power supply. The rechargeable battery includes a first end disposed adjacent to the at least one LED and a second end distal to the first end. The emergency light bulb apparatus further includes a sensing unit adapted to detect a risk of failure of the rechargeable battery, and a controller in communication with the sensing unit. The risk is detected in terms of one of temperature and pressure of the apparatus. The controller is adapted to control an operational state of the rechargeable battery based on the detected risk. The operational state is controlled to avoid any malfunction of the rechargeable battery.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an emergency light bulb apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates internal components in a housing of the emergency light bulb apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates the schematic view of the apparatus depicting wires wound around a first end of a rechargeable battery, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a controller of the emergency light bulb apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more element is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an emergency light bulb apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The emergency light bulb apparatus 100 may hereinafter interchangeably be referred to as the apparatus 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 may include a housing 102 and a cover 104 disposed on the housing 102. The housing 102 may be adapted to accommodate one or more other sub-components of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, at least one portion of the housing 102 is formed of Aluminum. This would assist in heat dissipation from the apparatus 100.

Further, the cover 104 may cover the other sub-components of the apparatus 100 while being disposed on the housing 102. In an embodiment, the cover 104 may be translucent. In another embodiment, the cover 104 may be transparent.

The apparatus 100 may also include at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) 106 and a rechargeable battery 108 adapted to supply power to the at least one LED 106 in absence of mains power supply. For the sake of readability, the at least one LED 106 may hereinafter be interchangeably referred to as the LED 106. The LED 106 may be adapted to illuminate the surroundings of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the LED 106 may be connected to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 120, also referred to as the first PCB 120, disposed in the cover 104.

Further, the rechargeable battery 108 may be a Lithium-ion battery. The rechargeable battery 108 may be charged while receiving the mains power supply. When the mains power supply is not available, the rechargeable battery 108 may power the LED 106 and the other components. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery 108 may include a first end 110 disposed adjacent to the LED 106 and a second end 112 distal to the first end 110. In an embodiment, owing to the proximity of the first end 110 to the LED 106, a temperature of the first end 110 of the rechargeable battery 108 may be higher than the temperature of other portions of the rechargeable battery 108.

The apparatus 100 may further include a sensing unit 114 and a controller 116 in communication with the sensing unit 114. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a second PCB 118 disposed in the housing 102 to accommodate the sensing unit 114 and the controller 116. Therefore, the rechargeable battery 108, the sensing unit 114, and the controller 116 may be accommodated in the housing 102 whereas the LED 106 may be accommodated in the cover 104.

Further, the second PCB 118 may include an opening adapted to guide wires through the second PCB 118. Figure 2 illustrates internal components in the housing 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly, Figure 2 illustrates the opening 202 of the second PCB 118 guiding the wires 204. This would allow for convenient handling of the wires 204 within the apparatus 100 and eliminate the possibility of undesirable tangling of the wires 204. In an embodiment, the assembly of the second PCB 118 within the apparatus 100 would be such that the rechargeable battery 108 may pass through the opening 202.

Referring to Figure 1, the sensing unit 114 may be adapted to detect an operational risk inside the apparatus 100. For example, the sensing unit 114 may be adapted to detect a risk of failure of the rechargeable battery 108. The risk is detected in terms of one of temperature and pressure of the apparatus 100. Particularly, the operational risk may be detected in terms of any abnormality in temperature and pressure of the apparatus 100. For example, the sensing unit 114 may be adapted to detect a value of at least one of temperature and a pressure inside the apparatus 100. Accordingly, the sensing unit 114 may include, but is not limited to, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor.

In an embodiment, the sensing unit 114 may be adapted to detect a value of temperature of the rechargeable battery 108. In an embodiment, the sensing unit 114 may detect a value of temperature at the first end 110 of the rechargeable battery 108. The temperature of the first end 110 is determined considering that the temperature of the first end 110 may be more than the temperature of the other portions of the rechargeable battery 108, for example, owing to being in the vicinity of the LED 106.

In an embodiment, the wires 204 are adapted to make high wire contact frequency area around the first end 110 of the rechargeable battery 108 for effective detection of the temperature around the first end 110. Figure 3 illustrates the schematic view of the apparatus 100 depicting wires 204 wound around the first end 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the wires 204 are compressed and bent to be wound around the first end 110.

In another embodiment, the sensing unit 114 may be adapted to detect the pressure inside the apparatus 100. For example, the sensing unit 114 may be adapted to detect the pressure in the housing 102 and the cover 104. The sensing unit 114 may be in communication with the controller 116.

Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the controller 116, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The controller 116 may be adapted to control an operational state of the rechargeable battery 108 based on the detected value. In an embodiment, the controller 116 may include, but is not limited to, a processor 402, memory 404, modules 406, and data 408. The modules 406 and the memory 404 may be coupled to the processor 402.

The processor 402 can be a single processing unit or several units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 402 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 402 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 404.

The memory 404 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

The modules 406, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules 406 may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.

Further, the modules 406 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer, a processor, such as the processor 402, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the modules 406 may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities.

In an embodiment, the modules 406 may include a receiving module 410, a comparing module 412, and a controlling module 414. The receiving module 410, the comparing module 412, and the controlling module 414 may be in communication with each other. The data 408 serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 406.

Referring to Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4, in an embodiment, the receiving module 410 may receive the detected value of at least one of the temperature and the pressure inside the apparatus 100 from the sensing unit 114. The comparing module 412 may then compare the detected value with a corresponding predefined threshold value.

In an embodiment where the detected value is of the temperature, the comparing module 412 may be adapted to compare the detected value with a predefined threshold value for the temperature of the rechargeable battery 108. In an example, the predefined threshold value for the temperature is about 80 degrees. In an embodiment where the detected value is of the pressure, the comparing module 412 may be adapted to compare the detected value with a predefined threshold value for the pressure inside the apparatus 100. In an example, the predefined threshold value for the pressure is about twice the atmospheric pressure. Based on the comparison, the controlling module 414 may control an operational state of the rechargeable battery 108 to avoid any malfunction.

For example, in an embodiment, the comparing module 412 may determine that the detected value is higher than the predefined threshold value. In such an embodiment, the controller 116 may disconnect the rechargeable battery 108 from the mains power supply to disrupt the charging of the rechargeable battery 108. Also, the controller 116 may disrupt the power supply from the rechargeable battery 108 to the LED 106 and other components of the apparatus 100. Therefore, overcharging or any other malfunction of the rechargeable battery 108 is timely avoided.

In another embodiment, the comparing module 412 may determine that the detected value is lower than the predefined threshold value. In such an embodiment, the controller 116 may not perform any action and the rechargeable battery 108 may continue operating in the similar manner.

For example, in case there is any undesirable variation in the internal pressure owing to some malfunction of the rechargeable battery 108 or any other component, the controller 116 may alter the operation of the rechargeable battery 108 or any other associated component to avoid damage to the apparatus 100.

As would be gathered, the apparatus 100 of the present disclosure allows for convenient and effective usage of the rechargeable battery 108 while ensuring a long service life. The sensing unit 114 is adapted to detect the temperature of the first end 110 of the rechargeable battery 108, which is expected to be the highest. Therefore, as soon as the detected value reaches the predefined threshold value, the controller 116 disrupts the operation of the rechargeable battery 108. This would eliminate the possibility of over-charging or misuse of the rechargeable battery 108, which would in turn avoid the possibility of any damage to the apparatus 100.

Further, the Aluminium housing 102 allows for effective heat dissipation from the apparatus 100. Moreover, the opening 202 of the second PCB 118 allows for easy handling of the wires 204 within the apparatus 100. Also, the wires 204 are adapted to make high wire contact frequency area around the first end 110 of the rechargeable battery 108 for effective detection of the temperature around the first end 110. The wires 204 thermally connect the sensing unit 114 and the first end 110 in order to ensure easy risk detection by the sensing unit 114. In addition, owing to the timely detection of any possibility of misuse of the rechargeable battery 108, any damage to the components is eliminated, resulting in a long service life for the apparatus 100. Therefore, the apparatus 100 of the present disclosure is cost-effective and durable as well.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. ,CLAIMS:1. An emergency light bulb apparatus (100) comprising:
a housing (102);
at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) (106);
a rechargeable battery (108) adapted to supply power to the at least one LED (106) in absence of mains power supply, and comprising a first end (110) disposed adjacent to the at least one LED (106) and a second end (112) distal to the first end (110);
a sensing unit (114) adapted to detect a risk of failure of the rechargeable battery (108), wherein the risk is detected in terms of one of temperature and pressure of the apparatus (100); and
a controller (116) in communication with the sensing unit (114) and adapted to control an operational state of the rechargeable battery (108) based on the detected risk.

2. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (114) is adapted to detect a value of at least one of temperature and pressure inside the apparatus (100).

3. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller (116) is adapted to:
compare the detected value with a corresponding predefined threshold value; and
control the operational state of the rechargeable battery (108) based on the comparison.

4. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (114) is adapted to detect a value of temperature at the first end (110) of the rechargeable battery (108).

5. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
the housing (102) adapted to accommodate the rechargeable battery (108), the sensing unit (114), and the controller (116); and
a cover (104) adapted to accommodate the at least one LED (106), wherein the cover (104) is disposed on the housing (102).

6. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one portion of the housing (102) is formed of Aluminum.

7. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (120) adapted to accommodate the at least one LED (106); and
a second PCB (118) adapted to accommodate at least one of the sensing unit (114) and the controller (116).

8. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second PCB (118) comprising an opening (202) adapted to guide wires (204) through the second PCB (118).

9. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one wire (204) is adapted to make high wire contact frequency area around the first end (110) of the rechargeable battery (108) for effective detection of the temperature around the first end (110).

10. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (114) comprising a pressure sensor adapted to detect pressure within the apparatus (100).

11. The emergency light bulb apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (114) comprising a temperature sensor adapted to detect temperature of the rechargeable battery (108).