Lighting device, air conditioner, and control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting techniques that simulate a sky or integrate lighting and air circulation functions do not effectively provide a natural view, such as changes in sunlight due to wind or time, and lack a method to enhance the spaciousness of a space.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device and air conditioner system with a housing, blower, light sources, and light extractors that emit light simulating natural light, where light extractors direct unemitted light outside to enhance the perceived spaciousness, and a control system to manage light emission states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If light sources emit light simulating a sky to improve spaciousness, then the spaciousness perception is improved, but the naturalness of sunlight simulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light emission function into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations and orientations. Each light source emits light in a specific direction to simulate different aspects of natural sunlight, including direct sunlight and scattered sky light, thereby achieving both spaciousness and naturalness
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the housing emit different types of light to create localized light quality variations. The light sources are arranged to produce area light emission with varying intensities and color temperatures in different zones, mimicking the natural variation in sunlight and sky light across a window view
2Volume of moving object
If light extractors are added to emit unemitted light outside, then the spaciousness is further improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, defines the airflow path for the air conditioner, and acts as the illumination opening through which light is emitted. The light extractors are integrated into the housing structure, utilizing the same structural elements for both air circulation and light emission functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the air circulation system and lighting system into a single integrated device. The housing, light sources, and light extractors are merged into one unit that simultaneously performs air conditioning and illumination functions, reducing overall system complexity despite adding light extraction capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves the perceived spaciousness of a space by simulating natural light and air circulation, providing a more realistic view of changing sunlight patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter provided at a position in the housing viewable through the illumination opening, the light emitter including a light incident portion to receive light emitted from the first light source and a first light emission portion to emit first light generated from light emitted from the first light source
Implementation Method 2
at least one light extractor provided at at least one position around the light emitter in the housing, the at least one light extractor emitting second light that is part of the light received by the light emitter that reaches an edge portion of the light emitter without being emitted as the first light
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes a housing including an illumination opening at a position viewable by a user; a blower provided in an airflow path connecting an inlet and outlet; a light emitter provided in the housing viewable through the illumination opening and including a light incident portion to receive light emitted from a first light source and a first light emission portion to emit first light generated from the light and including light simulating natural light; and at least one light extractor emitting second light that is part of the light received by the light emitter that reaches an edge portion of the light emitter without being emitted as the first light or second light received from the first light source or a second light source different from the first light source without intervention of the light emitter. The at least one light extractor is provided in the airflow path.