Patent Abstract:
A light apparatus is disclosed that is equipped to be portable and self-sustaining with a feature to recharge most electronic devices such as a cellular phone. The light apparatus includes two parts; a mechanical part and an electronic one. The mechanical part has a diffuser dome diffusing an LED light, a heat sink plate absorbing and transferring the heat away from the LED light, a first and a second solar panel housing supporting a first and second solar panels respectively that are disposed at an angle allowing the recharge of a battery, a surrounding sidewall and base housing the battery and the second part electronic circuitry for controlling electrical power to maximize LED and battery life. The light apparatus is also equipped with a handle arm used for transport or hanging of the light apparatus and a USB port for recharging of electronic devices.

Full Description:
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part application that claims a priority benefit from African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) patent application serial number GN/2013/0001 filed on Jul. 5, 2013 by Thierno Souleymane Bah of Conakry, Republic of Guinee. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a light apparatus for providing ambient lighting at night. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of portable lighting apparatus that has a rechargeable power source that obtains power from a solar panel and has an auxiliary port for electrically powering accessories such as a cell phone, GPS, and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    The need for portable self-sustaining power is a given, especially in the undeveloped world, wherein in the case of lighting typically kerosene or dung are burned for lighting, either of which are dangerous from the open flame aspect and also pollute the air that is usually in a confined interior space. One aspect of self-sustaining power is in recharging a battery for instance from a solar panel power source, wherein the battery while discharging can power a light and also provide low level power to electronic devices such as phones, GPS, speakers, microphones, and the like. So with the solar power rechargeable light with accessory power port, you have a much safer and cleaner power/light source without the fire risk and without the air pollution. 
         [0004]    The manufacturing of solar light apparatus has existed in the prior art, however, having a low intensity of light that only typically lasts for a short time, further the solar light apparatus in the prior art are also typically not equipped with auxiliary ports to transfer electrical energy to another electronic device, such as a cell phone for recharging. 
         [0005]    In use the solar light apparatus is to overcome the difficulties of students who are finding it difficult to obtain adequate light for reading and homework leading to the use of street lamps in urban zones and to have to use a charging station to charge their cellular phones. 
         [0006]    The intended target for the present invention of the solar light apparatus is the urban and rural zone users, helping them illuminate their homes and to recharge their electronic devices such as the cellular phones. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0007]    This invention is in regard of a solar light apparatus equipped with a feature to recharge most electronic devices such as the cellular phone. 
         [0008]    The solar light apparatus has two essential parts: the mechanical part and the electronic one. 
         [0009]    The mechanical part has a diffuser dome diffusing the light just like an ordinary bulb, a circular heat sink plate absorbing the heat which has light emitting diodes, a first and a second solar panel housing supporting a first and second solar panels respectively that are disposed at an angle allowing the immediate recharge of the panels upon sunrise, a surrounding sidewall housing the battery, and the electronic circuit. The solar light apparatus is equipped with a handle arm used for its transport or hanging it. The surrounding sidewall also has an electric circuit with an outlet and a USB port for recharging of electronic devices. 
         [0010]    This solar light apparatus helps to remedy the deficit of nighttime lighting and electronic device charging in Africa despite the abundance of sun light. 
         [0011]    The electronic part is essentially segmented in three smaller groups as following. 
         [0012]    1. Solar panels, regulators, and battery 
         [0013]    2. USB accessories, outlets, and fuses 
         [0014]    The lamp in question in this invention transforms the solar energy stored in a battery housed in the cylinder from a regulator. 
         [0015]    3. A signed light shows the level of the battery charge—The quantity of energy accumulated in the battery is transferred by the regulator to the diodes producing the light. The same energy contained in the battery is also used to recharge electronic devices 
         [0016]    These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which; 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a side elevation view of the light apparatus in the closed state that includes the diffuser dome, the first solar panel housing, the second solar panel housing, the hinge disposed as between the first and second solar panel housings, the handle, the surrounding sidewall, with the USB port disposed in the surrounding sidewall, and the base; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows an upper perspective view of the light apparatus in the open state that includes the diffuser dome, the first solar panel housing, the first solar panel, the second solar panel housing, the second solar panel, the hinge disposed as between the first and second solar panel housings, the handle, the surrounding sidewall, with the USB port disposed in the surrounding sidewall, and the base; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of the light apparatus that includes the diffuser dome, the heat sink, the first solar panel housing, the first solar panel, the second solar panel housing, the second solar panel, the handle, the surrounding sidewall, with the USB port disposed in the surrounding sidewall, and the base; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a diagrammatic layout of the light apparatus using a USB to AC female cord adapter that in turn connects to an AC male cord adapter that connects to a cell phone charging connector to enable the cell phone to be charged using a conventional AC plug cord charging adapter that connects to the light apparatus through the USB to AC female cord adapter; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  shows an electrical schematic for a low input voltage comparator that functions to shut off the LED when the voltage goes below 5.73 V to control the potential over discharging of the battery; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  shows an electrical schematic for a USB port charging circuitry; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  shows an electrical schematic for a driver controller of the light source LED; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  shows an electrical schematic for a boost regulator having a first cycle of operation and a second cycle of operation; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  shows an electrical schematic for a solar charging circuitry; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  shows an electrical schematic for a charging status LED; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  shows a test data plot using the heat sink that facilitates the LED being operated within its temperature limit; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  shows a test data plot of a steady state temperature of a LED case at various forward currents without a heat sink; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  shows a test data plot showing the transient temperature of the LED case at various forward currents without a heat sink; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  shows a test data plot of battery charging time with solar panels. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS 
       [0000]    
       
           50  Light Apparatus 
           51  Varying light 
           55  Diffuser dome for LED  65   
           60  Heat Sink is preferably a brand GC electronics part number 10-8109 
           61  Thermo compound 
           62  Planar area of heat sink  60   
           65  Light Emitting Diode LED or structure that emits light is preferably brand Cree part number CXA: 1034-000-00000HC250H 
           66  Largest single surface area of LED  65   
           70  First solar panel is preferably brand Parallax part number 750-00030 type Mono-Crystalline Silicon 
           71  First periphery of the first solar panel  70   
           75  First solar panel housing 
           76  Affixed portion of first solar panel housing to the LED  65   
           80  Second solar panel is preferably brand Parallax part number 750-00030 type Mono-Crystalline Silicon 
           81  Second periphery of the second solar panel  80   
           85  Second solar panel housing 
           86  Affixed portion of the second solar panel housing to the margin  106   
           90  Hinge disposed between the first solar panel housing and second solar panel housing that pivots 
           95  Closed state of the light apparatus 
           100  Open state of the light apparatus 
           101  First plane 
           102  Acute angle 
           103  Perpendicular position of varying light to the first plane  101   
           105  Surrounding sidewall 
           106  Margin of surrounding sidewall  105   
           107  First interior 
           110  Base 
           111  Housing 
           115  Handle 
           120  USB Port 
           125  Electrical outlet 
           130  USB to AC adapter cord 
           135  USB male connector 
           140  AC female connector 
           145  AC to phone charging port adapter cord 
           150  AC male connector 
           155  Phone charging port connector 
           160  Cell phone or auxiliary device 
           165  Low input voltage comparator circuitry or storage structure protection circuitry 
           170  USB charging circuitry or auxiliary circuitry 
           175  Driver controller circuitry of the light source LED or control circuitry 
           180  Boost regulator having a first cycle of operation and a second cycle of operation 
           185  Solar charging circuitry or control circuitry 
           190  Charging LED status circuitry 
           195  Battery or storage structure is preferably a brand TYSONIC part number TY-6-4.5 having specifications of 6V and 4.5 Amp-Hours rating 
           550  Electrical connection from  FIG. 7  to  FIG. 9   
           552  Electrical connection from  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 7   
           553  Electrical connection from  FIG. 7  to  FIG. 10   
           554  Electrical connection from  FIG. 5  to  FIG. 7   
           555  Electrical connection from  FIG. 5  to  FIG. 7   
       
     
       REFERENCE PREFERRED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN DRAWINGS 
       [0080]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference 
                 Design Value 
                 Footprint 
                 Manufacturer 
                 Manufacturer P/N 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 C1 
                 1.0 
                 uF 
                 C0603 
                 TDK 
                 C1608X5R1A105K 
               
               
                 C2 
                 4.7 
                 uF 
                 1206 
                 TDK 
                 C3216X7R1C475K 
               
               
                 C3 
                 4.7 
                 uF 
                 1206 
                 TDK 
                 C3216X7R1C475K 
               
               
                 C4 
                 4700 
                 pF 
                 C0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 CC0805KRX7R9BB472 
               
               
                 C5 
                 4700 
                 pF 
                 C0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 CC0805KRX7R9BB472 
               
               
                 C6 
                 9100 
                 pF 
                 C0805 
                 MuRata 
                 GRM2195C1H912JA01D 
               
               
                 C7 
                 9100 
                 pF 
                 C0805 
                 MuRata 
                 GRM2195C1H912JA01D 
               
               
                 C8 
                 1.0 
                 uF 
                 C0603 
                 TDK 
                 C1608X5R1A105K 
               
               
                 C9 
                 330 
                 uF 
                 SMDHD/VF 
                 Panasonic 
                 EEE-FK1A331P 
               
               
                 C10 
                 330 
                 uF 
                 SMDHD/VF 
                 Panasonic 
                 EEE-FK1A331P 
               
               
                 C11 
                 0.01 
                 UF 
                 C0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 CC0805KRX7R9BB103 
               
               
                 C13 
                 0.01 
                 UF 
                 C0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 CC0805KRX7R9BB103 
               
               
                 C14 
                 0.01 
                 UF 
                 C0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 CC0805KRX7R9BB103 
               
               
                 C15 
                 0.01 
                 UF 
                 C0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 CC0805KRX7R9BB103 
               
               
                 C16 
                 0.01 
                 UF 
                 C0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 CC0805KRX7R9BB103 
               
               
                 D1 
                 6.8 
                 V 
                 DO-214AA 
                 Micro Commercial CO 
                 SMBJ5342B 6.8V 
               
             
          
           
               
                 D2 
                 3.0 V 1% 
                 SOT-23-3 
                 NXP Semiconductors 
                 BZX84-A3V0215 
               
               
                 D3 
                 DIODESCH 
                 DO-214AC 
                 Diodes Inc. 
                 B220A-13-F 
               
               
                 D4 
                 DIODESCH 
                 DO-214AC 
                 Diodes Inc. 
                 B220A-13-F 
               
               
                 D5 
                 LED 
                 T-1¾ 
                 Avago 
                 HLMP-EG35-TW0DD 
               
               
                 D6 
                 LED 
                 T-1¾ 
                 Avago 
                 HLMP-3507-D0002 
               
               
                 D7 
                 3.0 V 1% 
                 SOT-23-3 
                 NXP Semiconductors 
                 BZX84-A3V0215 
               
             
          
           
               
                 F1 
                 1.5 
                 A 
                 1206 
                 Littlefuse Inc. 
                 043701.5WR 
               
             
          
           
               
                 IC1 
                 4N25 
                 6-SMD 
                 Lite-on Inc. 
                 4N25S-TA1 
               
               
                 J1 
                 CONNECTOR 
                 Small_pin 
                 Part of PCB 
                 Part of PCB 
               
               
                 J2 
                 CONNECTOR 
                 Small_pin 
                 Part of PCB 
                 Part of PCB 
               
               
                 J3 
                 CONNECTOR 
                 Small_pin 
                 Part of PCB 
                 Part of PCB 
               
               
                 J8 
                 CONNECTOR 
                 Small_pin 
                 Part of PCB 
                 Part of PCB 
               
               
                 J9 
                 CONNECTOR 
                 Small_pin 
                 Part of PCB 
                 Part of PCB 
               
               
                 J10 
                 CONNECTOR 
                 Small_pin 
                 Part of PCB 
                 Part of PCB 
               
               
                 J11 
                 CONNECTOR 
                 Small_pin 
                 Part of PCB 
                 Part of PCB 
               
             
          
           
               
                 L1 
                 15.0 
                 uH 
                 BOURNS_SMD 
                 Bourns 
                 SRN6045-150M 
               
               
                 L2 
                 15.0 
                 uH 
                 BOURNS_SMD 
                 Bourns 
                 SRN6045-150M 
               
             
          
           
               
                 P1 
                 CONN_1 
                 Test point 
                 Test point 
                 Test point 
               
               
                 P2 
                 CONN_1 
                 Test point 
                 Test point 
                 Test point 
               
               
                 P3 
                 CONN_1 
                 Test point 
                 Test point 
                 Test point 
               
               
                 P4 
                 CONN_1 
                 Test point 
                 Test point 
                 Test point 
               
               
                 P5 
                 USB CONN 
                 TBD 
                 OST 
                 USB-A1VSB6 
               
               
                 R1 
                 115K 
                 R0603 
                 Panasonic 
                 ERJ-3EKF1153V 
               
               
                 R2 
                 102K 
                 R0603 
                 Panasonic 
                 ERJ-3EKF1023V 
               
               
                 R3 
                 20.0K  
                 R0805 
                 Vishay-Dale 
                 CRCW080520K0FKEA 
               
               
                 R4 
                 20.0K  
                 R0805 
                 Vishay-Dale 
                 CRCW080520K0FKEA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 R5 
                 620 
                 Ohm 
                 R0805 
                 Vishay-Dale 
                 CRCW0805620RFKEA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 R6 
                 4.87K  
                 R0805 
                 Vishay-Dale 
                 CRCW08054K87FKEA 
               
               
                 R7 
                 1.02K  
                 R0805 
                 Vishay-Dale 
                 CRCW08054K87FKEA 
               
               
                 R8 
                 4.87K  
                 R0805 
                 Vishay-Dale 
                 CRCW08054K87FKEA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 R9 
                 200 
                 Ohm 
                 Pot 
                 Sichuan Qixing Electronics 
                 RV9312NS-KA15D 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 (15 mm Kurled) 
               
               
                 R10 
                 5 
                 Ohm 
                 2010 
                 Ohmite 
                 RW0S6BB5R00FET 
               
               
                 R11 
                 100 
                 Ohm 
                 R0805 
                 VISHAY-DALE 
                 CRCW0805100RJNTA 
               
               
                 R12 
                 200 
                 Ohm 
                 R0805 
                 VISHAY-DALE 
                 CRCW0805200RJNTA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 R13 
                 680 
                 R0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 RC0805JR-07680RL 
               
               
                 R14 
                  10K 
                 R0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 RC0805JR-0710KL 
               
               
                 R15 
                  10K 
                 R0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 RC0805JR-0710KL 
               
               
                 R16 
                 115K 
                 R0805 
                 Panasonic 
                 ERJ-3EKF1153V 
               
               
                 R17 
                 102K 
                 R0805 
                 Panasonic 
                 ERJ-3EKF1023V 
               
               
                 R18 
                 680 
                 R0805 
                 Yageo America 
                 RC0805JR-07680RL 
               
             
          
           
               
                 R21 
                 75 
                 ohm 
                 R0805 
                 VISHAY-DALE 
                 CRCW080575R0JNEA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 SW1 
                 SPST 
                 Part of R23 (pot) 
                 Sichuan Qixing Electronics 
                 RV9312NS- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 KA15D (15 mm Kurled) 
               
               
                 U1 
                 LP38690-5.0/ 
                 TO-252-3 
                 Texas Instruments 
                 LP38690DTX-5.0/NOPB 
               
               
                   
                 NOPB 
               
               
                 U2 
                 LM3224MMX- 
                 8-TSSOP 
                 Texas Instruments 
                 LM3224MM- 
               
               
                   
                 ADJ/NOPB 
                   
                   
                 ADJ/NOPB 
               
               
                 U3 
                 LM3224MMX- 
                 8-TSSOP 
                 Texas Instruments 
                 LM3224MM- 
               
               
                   
                 ADJ/NOPB 
                   
                   
                 ADJ/NOPB 
               
               
                 U4 
                 LM393 
                 8-SOIC 
                 Texas Instruments 
                 LM393DR 
               
               
                 U5 
                 LM311 
                 8-SOIC 
                 Texas Instruments 
                 LM311MX/NOPB 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0081]    With initial reference to  FIG. 1  shown is the side elevation view of the light apparatus  50  in the closed state  95  that includes the diffuser dome  55 , the first solar panel housing  75 , the second solar panel housing  85 , the hinge  90  disposed as between the first  75  and second  85  solar panel housings, the handle  115 , the surrounding sidewall  105 , with the USB port  120  disposed in the surrounding sidewall  105 , and the base  110 . Next,  FIG. 2  shows an upper perspective view of the light apparatus  50  in the open state  100  that includes the diffuser dome  55 , the first solar panel housing  75 , the first solar panel  70 , the second solar panel housing  85 , the second solar panel  80 , the hinge  90  disposed as between the first  75  and second  85  solar panel housings, the handle  115 , the surrounding sidewall  105 , with the USB  120  port and electrical outlet  125  disposed in the surrounding sidewall  105 , and the base  110 . 
         [0082]    Continuing,  FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of the light apparatus  50  that includes the diffuser dome  55 , the heat sink  60 , the first solar panel housing  75 , the first solar panel  70 , the second solar panel housing  85 , the second solar panel  80 , the handle  115 , the surrounding sidewall  105 , with the USB port  120  disposed in the surrounding sidewall  105 , and the base  110 . Next,  FIG. 4  shows a diagrammatic layout of the light apparatus  50  using a USB to AC female cord  130  adapter that in turn connects to an AC male cord adapter  150  that connects to a cell phone  160  charging connector  155  to enable the cell phone  160  to be charged using a conventional AC plug cord charging adapter  145  that connects to the light apparatus  50  through the USB  120  to male USB  135  to AC female  140  cord adapter that connects to the standard wall AC male plug to phone charging port adapter cord  145 . 
         [0083]    Continuing,  FIG. 5  shows an electrical schematic for a low input voltage comparator circuitry  165  that functions to shut off the LED  65  when the battery  195  voltage goes below 5.73 V to control the potential over discharging of the battery  195 . Further,  FIG. 6  shows an electrical schematic circuitry  170  for the USB  120  port charging circuitry and  FIG. 7  shows an electrical schematic  175  for a driver controller of the light source LED  65 . Next,  FIG. 8  shows an electrical schematic  180  for a boost regulator having a first cycle of operation and a second cycle of operation and  FIG. 9  shows an electrical schematic  185  for a solar charging circuitry. 
         [0084]    Further,  FIG. 10  shows an electrical schematic  190  for the charging status LED&#39;s D 5  and D 6  and  FIG. 11  shows a test data plot using the heat sink  60  that facilitates the LED  65  being operated within its temperature limit. Continuing,  FIG. 12  shows a test data plot of a steady state temperature of a LED case  65  at various forward currents without a heat sink  60 ,  FIG. 13  shows a test data plot showing the transient temperature of the LED case  65  at various forward currents without a heat sink  60 , and  FIG. 14  shows a test data plot of battery  195  charging time with solar panels  70 ,  80 . 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , charging circuitry  190  this design has two separate sections, one to allow the U4 (LM393) to operate as a comparator when the battery  195  is being charged, while the indicator D 5  turns on red when charging and green when fully charged, otherwise to eliminate the use of the comparator U4 when the circuit in not on by isolating it completely from the rest of the circuit. This technic is important because it eliminates the leakage current from the battery  195  that will save its run time. Also in  FIG. 10 , R 21  is a limiting current from the solar panel to the charging circuitry  190 , allowing the LED D 5  to be on, which will activate the base of the transistor inside of the opt coupler U4. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  10 , two solar panels  70 ,  80  of 6V and 668 mA total current connected in parallel collect solar energy to be sent to a battery  195  of 6V, 4.5 AH via regulator charging circuitry  185  shown on  FIG. 9 . 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a resettle fuse, F 1 , at the input port from the solar panels  70 ,  80  wherein a positive output is used to prevent over current into the battery  195 , while the Zener diode D 1  is used to prevent over voltage in the charging method. Both methods are applied to protect the circuit  185  and the battery  195  from being damaged, especially if a user were to apply an overcharging situation alternative to the current solar panels  70  and  80 . 
         [0088]    Again, referring to  FIG. 10 , for the charging circuitry  190 , the op amp comparator, U4A, connected to the solar panel  70 ,  80  and the battery  195  indicates the charging mechanism of the battery  195  through a comparison logic, where it compares the voltage on the solar panels  70 ,  80  to the divider voltage of the battery  195  to indicate that the battery  195  is charging by lighting up the LED, D 5 . This LED D 5  remains on as long as the sun hits the solar panels  70 ,  80 , or the AC to DC charger at connector  1  in  FIG. 9  is charging the battery  195  until the voltage on the battery  195  reaches 6.5V. During this process, the divider voltage increases to 3.05V, where the LED is expected to go off. This voltage is compared to a fixed Zener diode D 2  voltage of 3V with +/−1% tolerance at the positive input of the second op amp, U4B. When the divider voltage is greater than the Zener diode D 2  voltage, the output of the op amp gets low, leading the second LED, D 6 , to turn on green, which indicates that the battery  195  is fully charged. 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the solar charging circuitry  185 , U2 (LM3224) is a step-up PWM DC/DC converter, allowing the input operating voltage from the solar panels  70 ,  80  ranging from 2.7V to 7V to be regulated at a constant voltage, 7.34V, to charge the battery  195 . This method delivers a constant current to the battery  195  that allows us to design around the battery manufacturer&#39;s specification to save the battery life time. According to, Texas Instruments (TI), U2 (LM3224) operates in two continuous conduction modes, following is the TI explanation about this operation. 
         [0090]    Continuing in  FIG. 9 , in reference to C 2 , C 4 , R 3 , and C 6 ; these input capacitors C 2  and C 6  are bypass capacitors allowing the U2 (LM3224) to receive a clean signal from noises coming from the input and the ground. RC network (R 3  and C 4 ) is also a filter, allowing noises to be filtered before coming into the U2 (LM3224). R 6  and R 7  are the feedback resistors explained in the “setting the output voltage” section below. These resistors are used to set up the output voltage. To optimize the results for better performance, we used TI simulators to generate feedback resistor values, which match our calculated value. The role of the inductor, L 1 , and Capacitor, C 9 , is explained below by TI data sheet from  FIG. 8 . 
         [0091]    In referring to  FIG. 8  being a simplified boost converter diagram, cycle  1  and cycle  2 , for the continuous conduction mode the U2 is a current mode PEM boost regulator that steps up the input voltage to a higher output voltage. In continuous conduction mode (when the inductor current never reaches zero at steady state), the boost regulator operates in two cycles. In  FIG. 8  cycle  1 , the transistor is closed and the diode is reverse biased, energy is collected in the inductor and the load current is supplied by C out. The  FIG. 8  cycle  2 , the transistor is open and the diode is forward biased and the energy stored in the inductor is transferred to the load and output capacitor. The ratio of cycles  1  and  2  determines output voltage being approximately defined as V in divided by 1-the duty cycle of the switch multiplied by the change is the duty cycle of the switch equals one minus the duty cycle of the switch or voltage in divided by voltage out. Thus the voltage out is set by using the feedback pin and a resistor divider connected to the output as shown in the typical operating circuit. The feedback pin voltage is 1.26 volts so the ratio of the feedback resistors sets the output voltage according to the following equation; ratio feedback  1  equals ratio feedback  2  multiplied by voltage out minus 1.26 divided by 1.26 times ohms. 
         [0092]    Nature plays a key role to reduce the efficiency of the solar panels  70 ,  80 . These panels  70 ,  80  are efficient when the sun shines on them constantly, but any cloud, rain, or air particles could drastically impact the performance by reducing or fluctuating the voltage and the current output of the panels  70 ,  80 . To solve these problems for a better functionality, U2 (LM3224) was chosen that takes account the voltage variation at the input and regulate it to the designed voltage applied to the load. For the battery  195 , we have preferably used a sealed lead acid battery of 6V, 4.5 AH for our design. The choice for the battery  195  was based on the energy required by the load LED  65  to run for six hours on full brightness. Here is the power calculation for the load: P=VI. Voltage used on the load was 9V and the current pulled at full brightness for the LED  65  was 277 mA. The power calculated was: P=9 times 277=2493 mW˜2.5 Watt. This is the power coming to the LED  65  load to run constant for six hours. The load refers to the LED  65 . 
         [0093]    According to the manufacturers catalog performance chart (not shown in this application) for the battery  195 , the discharge rate of 0.25CA (CA=nominal capacity) at 25 degree C. on the terminal voltage of 6.5V is about 6 hours. This compares and confirms our design at the discharge rate of 0.277CA at 25 degree C. 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , shown is the charging time versus the voltage on the battery  195 . The fully discharged voltage for our design battery  195  is at 5.72V. The charge started at a voltage slightly over the fully discharged voltage. Within 6 hours of sun light on the solar panels  70 ,  80 , a full charged voltage of 6.5V was reading on the battery  195  terminal, and time after that, a float voltage was reading on the battery  195  terminal, which is above 6.5V. The nonlinear dotted curve in  FIG. 14  is due to the cloud that was in between charging times. According to this analysis, we are estimating a charging time of the light apparatus  50  with good sun light to be about 7 to 8 hours. Beyond this analysis, more data is expected to be collected to confirm the charging time. 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the controller circuitry  175 , Vcc refers to the power supply to the control circuit from the battery  195 . Capacitors C 3  and C 7  are bypass capacitors that clean signals from the power supply and ground before entering the chip, U3 (LM3224) and resistor  4  and capacitor  5  are connected in series to filter the signal coming from the ground to the chip, U3 (LM3224). The function of L 2  and C 10  matches that of the explanation of TI of L 1  and C 9 . U3 (LM3224) is a step-up PWM DC/DC converter, allowing the input operating voltage from the battery  195  ranging from 5.72V to 6.5V to be regulated at a constant voltage of 9V output and be applied to the light source LED  65 . This method delivers a constant current to the light source LED  65  that allows us to design around the LED manufacturer&#39;s specification to save the LED life time. 
         [0096]    The problem encountered here is the heat generated by the light source LED  65  caused by the power supply to it in a closed path, which is inside of the dome  55 . Hypothetically, two solutions were suggested. One is the use a poly carbonate plastic dome  55  that diffuses 95% of electrical heat, and the other one is to use a heat sink  60  with thermo compound material to eliminate air gap between the plate and the LED  65 . 
         [0097]    Below is the technical data of our experiment: 
         [0098]    A technical report on the thermal management of the light apparatus, in this report we presented the effectiveness of our designed thermal management system. We investigated the transient and steady state temperature rise of LED  65  with and without thermal management system and calculated the heat release rate using the thermal management system. 
         [0000]    Physical dimensions and thermal properties of heat sink  60 : 
       Material-A16061 
       [0099]    Heat capacity, C.p=0.91 kJ/kg ° K
 
Thermal conductivity, k=214 w/m ° K
 
Dimension=40 mm by 20 mm rectangular
 
A=40*20=800 mm 2 =8*10 −4  m 2  
 
Thickness, L=2 mm=2*10 −3  m
 
         [0100]    Description of Our Heat Sink  60  Manufacturing Process: 
         [0101]    We mixed the Heat Sink compound  61  with a glue (i.e.: J-B Weld Steel and Hardener) and use this result to glue the Cree, Inc. LED  65 , CXA:1034-000-000C0HC250H on an Aluminum plate with material AL6061 and dimensions described above with the Heat sink  60  section. This technique dropped the temperature of the LED  65  case from about 130 degree C. to about 50 degree C. 
         [0102]    We also used proprietary thermal interface material (K=0.5 w/m ° K) to reduce the contact resistance between the LED  65  and heat sink  60 . Using the heat sink  60  and thermal interface materials  61  the transient temperature response of the LED  65  is shown in  FIG. 11 . The operating temperature limit at 9 V is given by the LED  65  catalog specification (not shown in the application). Using the heat sink  60  the LED is being operated within the operating temperature limit, which is shown in  FIG. 11 . Therefore, the designed heat sink  60  is successful in extending the life of the LED  65 . The total resistance calculated from our design also meets the requirement of the supplier of Cree XLamp CXA1304 LED  65 . We also found that the thermal sink  60  releases 2.86 W heat of heat from the LED. 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the USB charging circuitry  170 , capacitors C 1  and C 8 , these are bypass capacitors that clean signals from the ground. U1 (LP38690-5.0/NOPB) is a low drop out linear regulator that takes in a minimum voltage of 2.7V and a maximum voltage of 10V to provide a fixed voltage by the following relationship: Vin=Vout+1 v. For our design, we are taking in 6.5V from the battery  195  and regulating it to an output voltage of 5V to charge an electronic device that take in a constant voltage of 5V for the USB port  120 . For resistors R 11  and R 12  these are pulled up resistors for the signal and data line going through the USB  120  connector. 
         [0104]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the low input voltage comparator circuitry  165 , shuts off the LED  65  when the voltage reaches the minimum voltage the LED  65  is shut off to protect the battery  195  from excessive discharge condition. U5 (LM311) series is low input current voltage comparator. It is used in our design to shut off the light LED  65  when the voltage reaches down to 5.72V. This technic allows us to save the life time of the battery  195  and prevent the end users to over discharge the battery  195 . Resistor R 18  is a current limiting resistor to the Zener diode D 7  and resistors R 16  and R 17  are the divider resistors, further capacitors C 15  and C 16  are bypass capacitors allowing signals from the grounds to be cleaned before entering the U5 (LM311). 
         [0105]    For the LED  65  in using Cree Relative Luminous Flux catalog graph (not shown in the application), our forward current of 277 mA corresponds to 80% Relative Luminous Flux, and the catalog flux characteristic table shows the order code for XLamp CXA1304. The one that matches our order is the CXA: 1034-000-00000HC250H. At steady-state operation of Tc=55° C., (Refer to  FIG. 11  above) IF=277 mA, the relative luminous flux ratio is 80% in the chart below. A 9-V CXA1304 LED that measures 440 lm during lighting will deliver 352 lm (440 times 0.8) at steady-state operation of Tc=55° C., IF=277 mA. Therefore, our LED  65  delivers 352 lumen at full brightness. Table Reference: CREE product family data sheet, 20130621CLDDS73CXA1304Rev0.pdf. 
         [0106]    Broadly in referring to  FIGS. 1 to 10 , the light apparatus  50  that is portable and self-sustaining includes the solar panel  70 ,  80  for converting varying light  51  into a varying solar electrical energy, further included in the light apparatus  50  is the storage structure  195  capable of receiving electrical energy having a controlled current and voltage, storing electrical energy, and discharging electrical energy having fluctuating current and voltage, with the storage structure having a plurality of receiving, storing, and discharging electrical energy cycles. Also included in the light apparatus  50  is the structure that emits light  65  via a consumption a stored electrical energy at a constant current and voltage and control circuitry  175 ,  185  that is in electrical communication with the solar panel  70 ,  80 , the storage structure  195 , and the structure that emits light  65 . 
         [0107]    Wherein the control circuitry  175 ,  185 , as best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , has a first mode that is operable to receive the varying solar panel  70 ,  80  electrical energy and output a constant current and voltage electrical energy to the storage structure  195  to maximize the storage structure  195  plurality of electrical energy cycles possible. The control circuitry  175 ,  185  also has a second mode that is operable to receive the storage structure  195  discharging electrical energy having fluctuating current and voltage and output a constant current and voltage to the structure that emits light  65  for a consistent light brightness and maximum light emitting structure life. 
         [0108]    Optionally, for the light apparatus  50 , it can further comprise the heat sink  60  that has a planar shape with a pair of parallel planar surfaces, see in particular  FIG. 3 , wherein the heat sink has a thermo compound  61  disposed as between the structure that emits light  65  and one of the planar surfaces to facilitate direct heat transfer conduction and minimize a differential temperature from the structure that emits light  65  and the planar surface. Wherein operationally, the heat sink  60  reduces an operating temperature of the structure that emits light  65  to extend the operating life of the structure that emits light  65 . 
         [0109]    Further, on the heat sink  60  its planar surfaces have an area  62  of at least nine (9) times of an area for a largest single surface area  66  of the structure that emits light  65 , being determined from test data to be an adequate heat transfer area  62  for the heat sink  60  to keep the structure that emits light  65  at an acceptable temperature. 
         [0110]    Additionally, as an option on the light apparatus  50  it can further comprise auxiliary circuitry  170 , see  FIG. 6 , that is in electrical communication with the storage structure  195 , the auxiliary circuitry  170  is to electrically power a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port  120  from the storage structure  195 , wherein the auxiliary circuitry  170  has an operating mode to receive the storage structure  195  discharging electrical energy having fluctuating current and voltage and output a constant current and voltage to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port  120  to electrically power an auxiliary device  160 . 
         [0111]    Further, on the light apparatus  50 , it can further comprise storage structure protection circuitry  165 , see  FIG. 5 , that is in electrical communication with the storage structure  195  and the structure that emits light  65 , the storage structure protection circuitry  165  has an operating mode to deactivate the structure that emits light  65  when an output voltage of the storage structure  195  equals a specified level that is operational to prevent over discharge of the storage structure  195  that would reduce the plurality of receiving, storing, and discharging electrical energy cycles. 
         [0112]    Alternatively, for the light apparatus  50  that is portable and self-sustaining can also include the first solar panel  70  for converting varying light into a varying solar electrical energy, with the first solar panel  70  having the first periphery  71 , with the first solar panel housing  75  disposed about the first solar panel  70  first periphery  71 , as best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Further included in the light apparatus  50  is the second solar panel  80  for converting varying light into a varying solar electrical energy, with the second solar panel  80  having a second periphery  81 , wherein the second solar panel housing  85  is disposed about the second solar panel  80  second periphery  81 . 
         [0113]    Also included for the light apparatus  50 , as best shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , is the pivotal hinge  90  disposed between a portion of the first solar panel  70  housing  75  and a portion of the second solar panel  80  housing  85 , wherein the pivotal hinge  90  is operational to fold the first  70  and second  80  solar panels inward to be adjacent toward one another in a clam shell type arrangement in a closed state  95  to minimize the light apparatus  50  size, see  FIG. 1 . In addition, the pivotal hinge  90  is operational to unfold the first  70  and second  80  solar panels outward away from one another to form a first plane  101  as between the first  70  and second  80  solar panels in an open state  100 , wherein the first  70  and second  80  solar panels receive the varying light  51  in the open state  100  only, see in particular  FIG. 2 . 
         [0114]    Further in the light apparatus  50 , the storage structure  195  capable of receiving electrical energy having a controlled current and voltage, storing electrical energy, and discharging electrical energy having fluctuating current and voltage, the storage structure  195  having a plurality of receiving, storing, and discharging electrical energy cycles, see  FIG. 9 . Also, included in the light apparatus  50 , is the structure that emits light  65  via a consumption a stored electrical energy at a constant current and voltage and control circuitry  175 ,  185 , see  FIGS. 7 and 9 , that is in electrical communication with the first  70  and second  80  solar panels, the storage structure  195 , and the structure that emits light  65 . Wherein, the control circuitry  175 ,  185  has a first mode that is operable to receive the varying solar electrical energy and output a constant current and voltage electrical energy to the storage structure  195  to maximize the storage structure  195  plurality of electrical energy cycles. The control circuitry  174 ,  185  has a second mode that is operable to receive the storage structure  195  discharging electrical energy having fluctuating current and voltage and output a constant current and voltage to the structure that emits light  65  for a consistent light brightness and maximum light emitting structure  65  life. 
         [0115]    Optionally, on the light apparatus  50 , it can further comprise the base  110  and the surrounding sidewall  105  extending from the base  110 , with the surrounding sidewall  105  terminating in the sidewall margin  106 , see in particular  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Wherein the base  110  and the surrounding sidewall  105  define the first interior  107 , wherein the first interior  107  forms a housing  111  that the storage structure  195  and the control circuitry  175 ,  185  are disposed within, see in particular  FIG. 3 . 
         [0116]    In addition, for the light apparatus  50 , a portion of the second solar panel  80  housing  85  is affixed  86  to the sidewall  105  margin  106  opposite of the second solar panel  80  and wherein the first solar panel  70  housing  75  is affixed  76  to the structure that emits light  65  opposite of the first solar panel  70 , see  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Further, for the light apparatus  50 , the first plane  101  can form an acute angle  102  with the base  110  when the first  70  and second  80  solar panels are in the open state  100  via the first  75  and second  85  solar panel housings structurally positioning the first  70  and second  80  solar panels at the acute angle  102  to operationally increase an intensity of the varying light  51  by orienting the first plane  101  to be more perpendicularly positioned  103  to the varying light  51 , see  FIG. 2 . 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0117]    Accordingly, the present invention of the light apparatus has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though; that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5