Lighting module for fluid delivery apparatus and fluid delivery apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid delivery apparatus with integrated lighting face challenges such as externally visible light sources that detract from aesthetic appeal, are prone to damage, and have limited design and functional lighting options due to externally placed light sources.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module for fluid delivery apparatus featuring a polymeric substrate with a chromium or chromium-based reflective coating, where the light source is concealed within the module and powered by a PCBA, emitting light through the substrate and coating, and includes a mask and lens for controlled light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light sources are placed on external surfaces of fluid delivery apparatus, then lighting functionality is achieved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates due to visible light sources and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is nested within the fluid delivery apparatus housing, specifically positioned inside the tap body or spout assembly. This nesting conceals the light source from external view, preserving the sleek aesthetic appearance while protecting the light source from physical damage. The light emits through the housing material or designated transparent regions, maintaining functionality without compromising design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing material acts as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment. It transmits light from the concealed source while simultaneously protecting the light source from external damage. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by allowing light passage for aesthetic effect while providing physical protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are placed on external surfaces, then lighting is visible, but design options are limited due to aesthetic considerations
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with localized transparent or translucent regions at specific positions where light emission is desired. These localized quality changes allow light to pass through selected areas while the rest of the housing maintains its opaque, sleek appearance. This enables multiple lighting design configurations without compromising overall aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting design moves from external surface mounting to internal positioning with light transmission through the housing material. This dimensional shift from external to internal placement opens up new design possibilities, including various light patterns, colors, and transmission effects that were not achievable with external mounting.
3Shape
If light sources are concealed within the module, then aesthetic appeal improves, but light emission capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The housing material is selected or treated to have specific optical properties that allow controlled light transmission. The material can be transparent, translucent, or have selective wavelength transmission characteristics. This enables the concealed light source to emit light effectively while the housing maintains its aesthetic appearance, with light visible through the colored or transparent portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the housing material are optimized to balance light transmission and aesthetic appearance. By adjusting transparency, translucency, thickness, and material composition, the design achieves sufficient light emission intensity from the concealed source while maintaining the desired aesthetic appeal of the housing.
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 allows for hidden lighting when not in use, protection from external damage, and increased design and functional lighting features, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality of fluid delivery apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a chromium or chromium-based reflective coating coated on at least an outer surface of the polymeric substrate
Implementation Method 2
The polymeric substrate and chromium or chromium-based reflective coating are at least partially permeable to light
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery apparatus lighting module includes a first portion having a polymeric substrate having a chromium or chromium-based reflective coating coated on at least an outer surface of the polymeric substrate, the polymeric substrate and chromium or chromium-based reflective coating being at least partially permeable to light; at least one light source disposed within the fluid delivery apparatus lighting module, wherein the at least one light source is configured to receive power from at least one power source and emit light through at least the polymeric substrate and chromium or chromium-based reflective coating of the first portion, and wherein the at least one light source, when emitting no light in an unlit condition, is concealed within the fluid delivery apparatus lighting module behind at least the polymeric substrate and chromium or chromium-based reflective coating of the first portion; at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a wired fluid temperature sensor, a wireless fluid temperature sensor, a wired fluid flow sensor, a wireless fluid flow sensor, a mechanical fluid flow sensor, a mechanical sensor, a wired motion sensor, a wireless motion sensor, and combinations thereof.