Design Project

I was just talking with a friend about design competitions. Basically we agreed that although they were fun and useful for learning they were also very unpredictable because the real criteria for what makes a winner if often hidden. We also agreed that a more focused competition would be interesting. Perhaps like some of the automotive competitions which focus primarily on form. But, what product makes for a good competition. How about this one? It is a high powered flashlight used primarily by military and law enforcement. Here is the current specification sheet. I think that there has to be a better way to meet this users illumination requirements.

HID Xenon technology provides four times the light per watt compared to halogen. Made of Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) and is completely sealed from the elements. This light is so tough it is virtually unbreakable. The perfect light for harsh environments. It is rugged and it floats.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights do not use filament based bulbs. Instead 2 electrodes inside a bulb "arc" causing gas to burn. This creates a much brighter light that draws far less current than much higher wattage filament based incandescent bulbs. Because there is no filament to break, HID bulbs tend to last several thousand hours, compared to filament base bulbs. With no filament to break, HID based lights can sustain much higher levels of vibration and shock.


PRODUCT FEATURES
6" diameter x 8" long (15.24cm x 20.32cm). Weighs 1.5 pounds.
High quality, Waterproof, durable thermoplastic rubber housing.

12 foot, heavy duty coil cord with cigarette plug runs on 12 volt vehicle and boat power systems.

HIGH POWER LIGHT SOURCE
6 inch diameter, 35 watt HID bulb emits 3200 lumens (15 million candlepower)
4500K color creates bright, white sunlight color to maximize visibility.
Projects Up to 2000 foot beam.
Optimized beam pattern for fast and accurate positioning.

LOW AMP DRAW
Draws 3 amps @ 12 VDC as compared to 55W halogen with a draw of 4.5 amps or 100 W halogen with a draw of 8.5 amps.
Highly efficient High Intensity Discharge generates almost no heat.

DURABLE WITH LONG LIFE
No filament to break if dropped.
3000 life hours per bulb minimizes bulb replacement.

HANDHELD
Handheld for quick intuitive spotting vs. remote controlled lights.
HID spotlight can be handheld comfortably in a rescue light style or held in a flashlight style.
HID spotlight can also be set on a flat surface like a traditional lantern or in elevated angled position.


WATERPROOF
Thermoplastic housing completely sealed. Meets marine standards.
Sealed push button switch.