What are your thoughts on a standardized modular flashlight system based on a fixed inside tube size, fixed length(s) and fixed thread size and pitch. This would be a standard anyone could build. If there was enough interest I'm sure some Chinese manufacturers would be interested in making the modules.
Due to the increasing power requirements (and heat generation) of LEDs I would think that a larger standard would be practical. My idea is for something named like "The 39mm standard" consisting of body tubes with an inside diameter of 39 mm (or whatever is decided) and a length to accommodate a protected xx650 cell. By using a large diameter tube batteries ranging from 4-AA to D and including many Li-on rechargeables (including double 18650) could be used. With the modular tubes and a tail cap using a common switch, the LED heatsink-driver module and the reflector module could be updated as needed. The heatsink-driver module could be designed to dissipate the heat by being longer or wider as long as it had the standard thread on both ends.
By being open design the cost could be kept low and only the minimum of restrictions need be applied (ID and thread).
Any thoughts?
Due to the increasing power requirements (and heat generation) of LEDs I would think that a larger standard would be practical. My idea is for something named like "The 39mm standard" consisting of body tubes with an inside diameter of 39 mm (or whatever is decided) and a length to accommodate a protected xx650 cell. By using a large diameter tube batteries ranging from 4-AA to D and including many Li-on rechargeables (including double 18650) could be used. With the modular tubes and a tail cap using a common switch, the LED heatsink-driver module and the reflector module could be updated as needed. The heatsink-driver module could be designed to dissipate the heat by being longer or wider as long as it had the standard thread on both ends.
By being open design the cost could be kept low and only the minimum of restrictions need be applied (ID and thread).
Any thoughts?