Border-Lit Counter Edge Collar for Durable Concealed Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing countertop lighting solutions are either complex and costly, or they compromise the aesthetic appearance of the countertop by using translucent materials that are expensive or less durable, and often reveal imperfections when not illuminated.
Innovation Solution
A counter design featuring a light-transmissive band along its edge, with a light source positioned behind the band to emit light outward, creating a stratified edge that provides illumination without modifying the countertop's appearance and allows for easy access for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If translucent materials are used to fabricate light-emitting counter arrangements, then the countertop can emit light outward, but the materials are either expensive or less durable than typical countertop materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the countertop into two distinct parts: an opaque durable countertop surface and a separate translucent edge collar. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the countertop for durability and the collar for light transmission - resolving the contradiction between durability and light emission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge collar acts as an intermediary element between the opaque countertop and the lighting system. It provides the necessary light transmission function while protecting the light sources and maintaining the structural integrity of the countertop, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If translucent materials form the entire depth of the counter, then light can emanate outward, but the interior of the cabinet and light sources are visible during non-illumination periods
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the translucent function into a separate edge collar rather than using translucent material for the entire countertop depth, the invention achieves light emission while maintaining aesthetic appearance during non-illumination periods. The collar can be designed to blend with or complement the countertop edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent quality is applied locally only to the edge collar where light emission is desired, rather than throughout the entire countertop. This localized application allows light emission functionality while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the main countertop surface and hiding internal components during non-illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are embedded within the countertop material, then the countertop can emit light, but the fabrication becomes considerably difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the lighting system from the countertop material by using a distinct edge collar structure. This segmentation simplifies fabrication - the countertop can be manufactured using standard materials and methods, while the lighting system is integrated into the removable or separately installed collar, avoiding complex embedded fabrication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge collar serves as an intermediary that simplifies the integration of light sources. Instead of embedding lights directly into the countertop material, the collar provides a structured interface that holds the light sources in position and channels light through the edge, significantly reducing fabrication complexity.
4Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned above the countertop, then visibility in the work space is improved, but cabinet and wall surfaces are shadowed by the countertop
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning light sources above the countertop to illuminate the workspace, the invention inverts the approach by positioning light sources at the edge of the countertop to illuminate the surrounding environment, cabinet interiors, and wall surfaces from below, thereby eliminating shadows while providing ambient lighting.
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
This design achieves significant illumination with minimal translucent material, dispersing light upward and downward to enhance visibility and decorative effects, while concealing the light source during non-use and maintaining the countertop's appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a light source positioned adjacent the inner side of the edge collar and configured to emit light outward through the light-transmissive band
Implementation Method 2
This design achieves significant illumination with minimal translucent material, dispersing light upward and downward to enhance visibility and decorative effects
Data Source
AI summary
A counter includes a base and a countertop spaced from the base that has an edge that defines a border of the countertop. An edge or support collar is disposed between the base and the countertop, the edge collar including a light-transmissive band that extends along the border of the countertop. The light-transmissive band has an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side that forms a stratified outer edge with the edge of the countertop. A light source is positioned adjacent the inner side of the edge collar and configured to emit light outward through the light-transmissive band.