Buoyant Submerged Lighting with Random Flash Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting displays with flashing lights lack randomness in their sequences, limiting visual effects and dramatic value, especially when a large number of lights are involved, and existing water and lighting displays could benefit from enhanced visual effects.
Innovation Solution
A submerged lighting display system where buoyant lights can be randomly flashed using a software program, powered by existing lighting fixtures, allowing for different levels of randomness and flexibility in placement, with strings of lights plugged into sockets that previously housed single lights, and utilizing microcontrollers to control flashing modes without additional control circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of lights are used in the display, then the visual effects and dramatic value are enhanced, but the difficulty in randomizing the flashing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent zones, each controlled by its own controller. Each controller manages a subset of lights and can generate random flashing patterns independently. This segmentation allows the system to handle a large total number of lights while maintaining the simplicity of randomization control at each zone level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flashing behavior of lights based on random patterns generated by controllers. Each controller can vary the timing, duration, and intensity of flashes dynamically, creating unpredictable and visually interesting patterns that scale well with the number of lights without increasing control complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If lights are submerged in water for enhanced visual effects, then the display attractiveness is improved, but the power delivery and control become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing lighting fixtures as intermediaries to deliver power and control signals to the submerged lights. These fixtures act as mediators between the power source and the water-submerged lights, simplifying the power delivery infrastructure. The fixtures can be positioned above water and transmit power through waterproof connections to submerged light strings.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixtures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the light strings, act as power distribution points, and serve as control nodes for the submerged lights. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture for water-based displays.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing lighting fixtures are used to power the display, then the installation cost is reduced, but the flexibility in light placement and randomization control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the display area into multiple zones, each with its own controller connected to existing lighting fixtures. This segmentation allows flexible placement of lights within each zone while utilizing the existing fixture infrastructure. Each zone can be independently configured and controlled, providing adaptability without requiring complete new installation infrastructure.
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 enhanced visual effects with random flashing patterns, creating dynamic displays like twinkling stars and shooting fountains, capable of enhancing existing displays without requiring new installations, by leveraging existing infrastructure and ensuring lights remain upright and powered efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The lights are designed to be buoyant so that preferably they remain upright
Data Source
AI summary
A display where lights may be programmed to randomly flash is described. The randomness may be changed by changing the mode of flashing. The lights may extend along strings that are powered by a power supply that may itself be plugged into a socket that had previously served as a light socket. The display may be added to existing displays to enhance existing visual effects. The display may be submerged and the lights may remain upright because of their buoyancy.