Diffuser Holder With Return Edges For Illuminated Signs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated signs with light emitting diode arrays face challenges in achieving even light distribution and are vulnerable to vandalism, as they require multiple LEDs and lack effective diffuser solutions that can be easily tampered with.
Innovation Solution
A clear diffuser holder with 180° return edges is securely attached to the inside surface of the face panel, allowing interchangeable diffusers and preventing foreign objects from being inserted, using mechanical fasteners or heat staking plastic pins, thereby ensuring even light distribution and vandalism resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a relatively large number of spaced apart light emitting diodes are used to provide necessary candle power, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple individual LED units that are spaced apart on the circuit board. Each LED acts as an independent light source, and their collective arrangement provides the necessary candle power while maintaining manageable complexity through modular positioning.
2Illumination intensity
If a diffuser material is placed between the light emitting diodes and the legend sheet, then illumination evenness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tampering vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
A thin diffuser material is positioned between the LEDs and the legend sheet to scatter and evenly distribute the light from the LED array. This thin film approach maintains optical effectiveness while being integrated into a secure housing structure that prevents tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser material is pre-positioned and secured within the housing structure before the sign is assembled or installed. This preliminary positioning, combined with the secure housing, prevents subsequent tampering or removal of the diffuser material.
3Reliability
If the diffuser holder is designed with 180° return edges, then reliability against vandalism is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex locking mechanisms or adhesive systems to secure the diffuser holder, the design inverts the approach by creating a simple mechanical interlock where the 180° return edges of the holder fit into corresponding slots in the housing. This inverted simple-mechanical-solution provides robust vandalism resistance without complex components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates generally to illuminated signs (100) having multiple point light sources such as light emitting diode arrays as the illumination source for legend-bearing face panels and particularly to diffuser structure mountable in relation to such an array for facilitating an even distribution of light within such a sign to improve illumination of the typically translucent legend disposed on such a face panel. In particular, the invention employs a clear diffuser holder (120) that is secured to the inside surface of el the face panel thereby providing a means of removeably attaching a diffuser (130). The invention permits interchangeably employing diffusers of different colors while providing resistance to vandalism.