Aquarium Lighting System with Movable Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aquarium lighting systems fail to provide uniform and natural light distribution, leading to insufficient light for organisms under overhangs and excessive light at the top, promoting algae growth and affecting aquatic life, while fixed light sources create blind spots and inadequate light penetration.
Innovation Solution
A programmable and motorized aquarium lighting system with adjustable light sources that can change orientation and intensity over time, using a frame with individually controllable light sources, a programmable controller, and sensors to optimize light distribution and reduce algae growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a fixed overhead light source is used, then the light source is simple and stable, but light distribution is uneven with insufficient light for organisms under overhangs and excessive light at the top
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light source movable instead of fixed. The lighting system includes a movable light source that can change its position and orientation dynamically, allowing it to illuminate different areas of the aquarium at different times. This resolves the contradiction by enabling uniform light distribution through movement while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through programmed lighting cycles where the light source follows predetermined paths and illumination patterns. The system alternates between different positions and illumination intensities in a cyclic manner, simulating natural light patterns while ensuring all areas receive adequate light exposure over time.
2Illumination intensity
If light power is increased to provide sufficient light to crevices, then light penetration improves, but excessive light levels are generated towards the top of the aquarium promoting unwanted algae growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different parts of the aquarium to receive different light intensities at different times. The movable light source can focus illumination on specific areas such as crevices and the bottom of the tank while leaving other areas in relative darkness, thereby providing sufficient light penetration where needed without causing excessive light levels that promote algae growth on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by implementing time-varying illumination patterns where light intensity and duration are controlled in cycles. This allows sufficient light penetration to reach the bottom and crevices during specific periods while limiting overall exposure time to prevent algae proliferation, thus resolving the contradiction between light penetration and algae prevention.
3Illumination intensity
If a fixed lighting system is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it creates blind spots and inadequate light penetration to the bottom of the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the light source dynamic and programmable. Although the physical system is more complex, the automated programming simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The light source automatically moves to eliminate blind spots and ensures adequate penetration to the bottom of the tank through predetermined motion paths.
4Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting systems are used, then power consumption is lower, but light distribution is uneven affecting aquatic life stress levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing cycling illumination patterns where the light source moves through different positions and intensities over time. This ensures uniform light distribution to all areas of the aquarium, reducing stress on aquatic life, while the cyclic nature of the operation allows for energy management by limiting total illumination time and intensity exposure.
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 provides more natural and uniform light exposure, reducing algae growth, improving light penetration, and ensuring adequate light for all areas, including the bottom of the tank, while minimizing power consumption and preventing light-related stress on aquatic life.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source within a housing mounted on the frame, the light source projecting, in use, a controllable light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an aquarium lighting system in which motor drivers alter over time the relative inclination of a light source with respect to an ornamental feature (18) within the aquarium. The effect is that light intensity (92, 94) falling incident on an ornamental feature more accurately simulates natural light impinging on a natural environment from day and seasonal movements of the sun. In addition to the relative change in inclination, power settings for the light source can be adjusted to further mimic the effects experienced with daily variations of climate and/or weather. The system effectively changes the angle of incidence of light and outwardly facing areas of ornamental features or areas beneath overhangs receive programmable levels of illumination that would otherwise not be possible with an overhead, single fixed-position light source.