Beveled Architectural Block Light Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transparent tile construction block systems fail to efficiently distribute light and integrate LED lighting in a way that maintains transparency and prevents light from bleeding into adjacent blocks, while also addressing aesthetic and durability concerns related to external wiring.

Innovation Solution

An architectural block system with beveled corners that securely houses a light strip and light source within apertures, allowing for ambient light emission without obstructing the view and using a light strip that can be connected to a controller for synchronized lighting effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If LED lighting is integrated into transparent tile construction blocks, then light distribution efficiency is improved, but light bleeding into adjacent blocks occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution efficiencyVSAvoidlight bleeding into adjacent blocks
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light-absorbing border structure as an intermediary element between adjacent transparent blocks. This border acts as a mediator that captures and contains the LED light within the intended block, preventing it from bleeding into neighboring blocks while still allowing the light to be effectively distributed within the block itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the block system. The border regions are designed with light-absorbing or light-blocking properties to contain light, while the central transparent regions maintain high light transmission. This local differentiation of optical qualities enables efficient light distribution within each block while preventing cross-contamination between adjacent blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If external wiring is used for LED integration, then installation flexibility is improved, but aesthetic appearance and durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiddurability and aesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the LED lighting system and its wiring within the internal structure of the transparent block itself. The wiring is routed through channels or cavities built into the block, and the LED modules are integrated within the block's internal architecture. This nesting approach eliminates external wiring, thereby improving aesthetic appearance and protecting the wiring from environmental damage while maintaining installation flexibility through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Illumination intensity

If light sources are positioned at block edges, then light distribution is improved, but transparency and view obstruction increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distributionVSAvoidtransparency and view clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional surface mounting of light sources to a three-dimensional integration within the block's internal structure. By positioning LED light sources within internal cavities or channels distributed throughout the block volume, the system achieves effective light distribution while keeping the external surfaces fully transparent and unobstructed, thereby maintaining clear views through the blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing light distribution within transparent tile construction blocks, preventing light from bleeding into adjacent blocks and allowing for customizable lighting patterns, enhancing design flexibility and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a light source of the light strip in the aperture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11280471B2Lighted architectural block system
Publication Date: 2022.03.22 CIMINO TREESTONE
  • US11280471B2 patent drawing
  • US11280471B2 patent drawing
  • US11280471B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An architectural block may be arranged with a front face separated from a back face by a border configured with a beveled surface comprising an aperture extending into a space between the front face and the back face. The aperture and beveled surface can each be configured to secure a light strip around the border and a light source of the light strip in the aperture.