Definition: 

A flashlight is a portable hand held device that generates light. This beam of light can be best seen in dark conditions because that’s the circumstances it was made for. Before the creation of flashlights, people would use oil lamps and candles to generate some sort of light. This light wasn’t bright enough but it worked for the time. In 1899, British inventor, David Misell created the first flashlight in 1899. The invention of the light bulb caused Misell to invent this as an alternative to kerosene lamps and candles because the flame of those items could be dangerous. This invention has been very helpful as it’s one of the ideal tools to have in case of any emergency. Flashlights can be found in different versions each benefitting the purpose it’s for. Over time flashlights have evolved, not only being just a hand held tool, but also being on other items such as phones and keychains. 

Overview: 

The first flashlights were handheld and small compared to what they are now. Since the creation of the first flashlight, they have gotten bigger, brighter, and more powerful. Standard flashlights come with a simple and effective design to it. It’s the right size, comes with a handle for someone to grip their hand onto and the head which contains the light, whether it’s an LED or a bulb. And to power on the flashlight, there will be a switch which should be located on the body of the flashlight. The switch can be a simple button or even slider. Not every flashlight has this type of appearance to it though. For example, another type of flashlight is the headlamp. The function of it is the same as it emits light, however the appearance of it is different. Headlamps are designed for more campers, mountain climbers, hikers, and more. This type of flashlight is used more for outdoor explorers. This flashlight has a similar light unit, but instead doesn’t come with a handle. The headlamp comes with a headband so it can be worn on the head of the person using it. Therefore, the user can be more hands on. Despite the differences between the two, they both serve the same function in giving off light. 

Components:

Different flashlights can have different components to it, but there are 7 main components that come with every flashlight. All the parts in the flashlight work in order for the light source to function, which is located inside the head of the flashlight. Other parts located in the head of the flashlight are the reflector and the lens. Inside the body is the power source and the circuitry. Surrounding these parts inside is the body which also has the switch located on the outside. 

Explanation: 

The body of the flashlight is a tube shaped part. It holds the flashlight together and is a cover for the internal parts. Inside the body of the flashlight is the power source. The power source is where the batteries are inserted. Nowadays flashlights usually run on either AA or AAA batteries. In general, they run on lithium batteries. If they don’t function on lithium batteries, they can run on rechargeable batteries or it can also have a battery that comes with the flashlight that can be charged by a docking station. The other source in the flashlight is the light source. Both the power source and the light source work together to function the flashlight. The light source is where the light beams. The batteries are put into the power source. And the energy the batteries give off in the power source generates into electrical energy in order to create a beam of light. The light source can either be an LED light or it can be a bulb. The light source can determine how bright the flashlight is. Another vital component to the function of the flashlight is the circuitry. This is located inside the flashlight as well and is in between the power source and the light source. The circuitry is like the motherboard of the flashlight. All the inputs desired have to go through this part. The energy from the batteries in the power source travel through the circuitry in order to reach the light source. The flow of electricity flows through this. When the flashlight is first turned on, the circuitry helps keep the flashlight efficient and also safe at the same time. The circuitry knows the amount of voltage that should be passed through the flashlight. It regulates the amount of voltage in order to keep the LED or the bulb from burning out. By regulating this power, it allows the flashlight to be very efficient. In addition to the performance, it also helps with the different modes of the flashlight such as brightness levels and other types of modes that come with the flashlight. Overall, the circuity really serves as a piece that ensures the safety of the flashlight and the person that uses it. 

The external parts of the flashlight are also just as important as the internal parts. The body of the flashlight is very important as it holds the entire flashlight together. Inside the body, is where the power source and the circuitry is located. The body is also where the batteries are inserted into. The body also has a grip to it that ensures that the person using it has a better grasp on it. The body also acts as protection for the parts inside which is why nowadays the body is waterproof and other features to make sure the inside is safe. Another part on the outside that’s important is the reflector and the lens. Both of these parts work together. The reflector is a surface that surrounds the light source. It surrounds it in every single angle to make sure that the most light can be emitted. Once the light source hits the reflector, the beam of the light becomes brighter and also increases range. The lens is the clear cover placed at the head of the flashlight. It’s put a couple inches in front of the light source and helps enhance the beam. The enhancement of the beam allows for more focus. Now in order for the entire thing to work, it must be turned on somehow. That’s what the switch is for. But the switch doesn’t just turn the flashlight on and off. It can also pick brightness levels and different modes one would like the flashlight to be on. One can want their flashlight to be a still mode or during nighttime, people might use the blinking mode for safety. Overall all these components work together in order for the flashlight to function. Each part depends on each other in order for the flashlight to function properly. 

Visuals:

The first flashlights. Smaller in size and also smaller beams to the ones present day. 

The headlamp flashlights come with a headband so one can be more free with their hands. 

Standard flashlights in the present day. A handle with a grip to grasp onto for better handling. More bright from previous models.

Conclusion: 

Flashlights were invented a long time ago. One may think that it might’ve died down by the time it was 2024, but it hasn’t. Flashlights have been very beneficial and are important to every household. It’s always one of the must-have tools for emergencies. Since the creation of the first one, the flashlight has evolved a lot. From brightness, to shape, and even price, everything about the flashlight has increased. The first ones were around $3 but now standard flashlights are around 15 to 20 dollars. However the more powerful flashlights can be above $200. In conclusion, this invention has been a very helpful tool for people ever since it was created and will continue to be beneficial. 

References

“Anatomy of a Flashlight: Understanding Its Components.”

www.wubenlight.com/blogs/flashlight-technology-and-applications/anatomy-of-a-flashlight-understanding-its-components 

“What Is a Flashlight?”
www.tekled.co.uk/blogs/blog/what-flashlight

“Shining Light on Flashlights”antiquesqa.blogspot.com/2020/06/shining-light-on-flashlights.html