Diffuse Lighting System With Collapsible Web Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffuse lighting systems face challenges in evenly distributing light across large spaces, often resulting in hotspots and heat hazards, and are cumbersome and costly to transport and set up, making them unsuitable for temporary or open-plan areas.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an internal supporting structure with a web and flanges, where lights are mounted on the web, and the flanges are strategically textured and translucent to scatter light, reducing hotspots and using a collapsible exterior body for easy transport and setup, with a heat sink to manage thermal issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source is used to illuminate a large space, then the lighting system is simple, but the light distribution is uneven with bright hotspots and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large light source into multiple smaller light sources (LED modules) arranged in an array. Each module emits light that is individually diffused, and collectively they provide uniform illumination across large areas without the hotspots caused by concentrated point sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-source illumination to area-source illumination by arranging multiple light-emitting modules in a two-dimensional array. This dimensional expansion allows light to be distributed evenly across the entire fixture surface, eliminating the bright spots characteristic of single-point sources.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate large spaces evenly, then light distribution improves, but heat generation increases creating fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates heat sinks integrated with the light-emitting modules that capture and dissipate heat generated by the LEDs. The heat management system converts the harmful thermal energy into manageable heat flow, preventing fire hazards while maintaining the uniform light distribution provided by multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal management properties to different regions of the fixture. Each light-emitting module has its own heat dissipation characteristics, and the overall assembly creates zones of varying thermal density that collectively manage heat distribution and prevent concentrated hot spots.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a large rigid framework is used to support a large lighting system, then structural stability is ensured, but transport and storage become cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a collapsible support structure that can transition between an expanded stable configuration during installation and a collapsed compact configuration for transport. The framework maintains structural integrity when assembled but reduces to a minimal profile for storage, eliminating the need for costly specialized transport equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support framework is divided into multiple detachable segments or modules that can be assembled on-site to form the complete lighting structure. These modular components are individually compact and easy to transport, yet when assembled create a stable rigid framework capable of supporting large lighting fixtures.
4Illumination intensity
If light shades are used to diffuse light from point sources, then some light distribution is achieved, but hot spots remain and diffusion effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single light shade over a point source, the patent segments the light-emitting surface into multiple discrete light-emitting modules. Each module has its own diffusing characteristics, and the collective arrangement ensures uniform light distribution without the hot spots that persist when using traditional single-shade diffusion methods.
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 even, diffused lighting with reduced heat hazards and facilitates easy setup and transport, making it suitable for large spaces and temporary installations.
Implementation Method 1
the flanges are strategically textured and translucent to scatter light, reducing hotspots
Implementation Method 2
with a heat sink to manage thermal issues
Data Source
AI summary
Light fixtures often have bright spots caused by the light sources that can be unpleasant or uncomfortable to look at. A light system is provided that diffuses the light. The light system includes an exterior body defining a void therein and an internal structure positioned within the void. The internal structure comprises at least a web and a flange extending from the web, and one or more lights positioned along the length of the web. The internal structure supports the exterior body.