Construction Component Light Transmission Member Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction panels with integrated lighting functions face challenges in weight reduction while maintaining effective illumination.

Innovation Solution

A construction component that incorporates a light transmission member, such as an optical fiber, to receive light from a discreetly positioned laser light source and convert it into illumination light, emitting it towards a target space, thereby reducing the weight and enhancing design flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a construction panel with integrated lighting function is created using conventional light sources and light-guiding plates, then illumination function is achieved, but the weight of the construction panel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoidweight of construction panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light source from the construction panel itself and positions it externally. Only the light-guiding plate (optical fiber) remains integrated into the panel, significantly reducing the panel's weight while maintaining the illumination function. The light source is separated and mounted outside the panel structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light-guiding plate (optical fiber) as an intermediary between the external light source and the panel's light-emitting surface. This intermediary component enables light transmission from the external source to the panel's front surface, achieving illumination without integrating heavy conventional light sources into the panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If conventional light sources and light-guiding plates are integrated into the construction panel, then illumination is achieved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the illumination system into distinct functional modules: an external light source unit and a panel-integrated light-guiding plate unit. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall system structure by eliminating the need for complex integration of light sources within the panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light-guiding plate serves multiple functions: it transmits light from the external source, provides structural support within the panel, and maintains the panel's aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If light sources are disposed within the projection area of the construction component, then direct illumination is achieved, but design flexibility and aesthetic appearance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect illuminationVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the light source within the panel's projection area (conventional approach), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the light source externally and using a light-guiding plate to deliver light to the panel's light-emitting surface. This inversion enables the light source to be positioned outside the visible area, preserving design flexibility and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enables the construction component to emit high-grade illumination while minimizing weight and allowing for more impressive design aesthetics, improved maintainability, and reduced temperature rise, with the ability to transmit coherent light efficiently over long distances for uniform illumination.

Implementation Method 1

a light transmission member, such as an optical fiber, to receive light from a discreetly positioned laser light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

convert it into illumination light, emitting it towards a target space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight conversion: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS11852316B2Construction component, light radiating system, and illumination system

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A construction component forms at least a part of a structure that faces a target space. The construction component has a first function, a second function, and a third function. The first function is a function of emitting illumination light toward the target space. The second function is a function of allowing incident light to enter the construction component. The incident light is emitted from a light source disposed out of a projection area, viewed from the target space, of the construction component and is incident on the construction component via a light transmission member. The third function is a function of converting the incident light into the illumination light.