Diffuser for Illuminating Port with Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct lighting of ports on electronic consoles can result in inconsistent intensity and requires positioning lights in limited spaces, making it challenging to effectively illuminate the port perimeter.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diffuser with a first portion visible through an aperture and a second portion proximate the light source within the housing, where light is diffused and exits to illuminate the port, and optionally using a light guide and opaque coatings to enhance uniformity and prevent light from escaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If direct lighting is used to illuminate the port, then the port perimeter is illuminated to indicate shape and size, but the illumination intensity is inconsistent along the perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the port aperture. The diffuser includes a first portion proximate the port and a second portion proximate the light source, with light traveling through the diffuser material to illuminate the port perimeter uniformly while allowing flexible light source positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser material's optical properties are utilized to change the light propagation parameters. The diffuser scatters and redistributes the light from the source, transforming the light distribution pattern from concentrated and inconsistent to uniform and consistent across the port perimeter
2Ease of operation
If direct lighting is positioned proximate the port, then the port can be illuminated, but space is limited for light source placement
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser acts as a mediator that decouples the light source from the port aperture. The light source can be positioned anywhere along the diffuser's length within the housing, and the diffuser will still deliver uniform illumination to the port, providing placement flexibility without compromising illumination effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the light source positioning problem from a two-dimensional constraint (immediately adjacent to the port) to a one-dimensional constraint (any position along the diffuser length), thereby increasing placement flexibility within the housing space
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 consistent and uniform illumination of the port, increasing visibility and usability while allowing for a more flexible placement of the light source, improving the overall design of electronic console interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion of the diffuser includes a flange extending outward therefrom proximate the light source. In operation, light from the light source enters the second portion of the diffuser. The light is diffused through the diffuser and exits the first portion so as to illuminate the port.
Data Source
AI summary
A display console comprises a housing comprising a front panel, a light source disposed within the housing, a port positioned within an aperture of the front panel, and a diffuser. The diffuser comprises a first portion proximate the port and a second portion proximate the light source such that the diffuser diffuses light from the light source out the aperture of the front panel, wherein the second portion includes a flange.