Dynamic Exit Sign Using Segmented Light Zones

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic exit signs using LEDs for route direction indication fail to comply with safety standards due to non-uniform illumination, contrast, and color requirements, and existing compliant solutions are complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic exit sign is designed with adjacent surface light zones of square and triangular shapes that can be independently switched on/off in safety colors, using RGB LEDs and a semi-transparent projection layer, optimized with reflective/diffusing materials to ensure compliance with ISO and EN standards for emergency escape route indications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spaced light emitting diodes are used to indicate variable route direction, then dynamic route direction indication is achieved, but the arrow appearance becomes a multiplicity of bright spots with non-uniform illumination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic route direction indicationVSAvoidillumination uniformity and arrow graphical representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The arrow is segmented into multiple independently controllable surface light zones arranged in a grid pattern, where each zone can be individually activated to form different directional indications while maintaining uniform appearance through controlled illumination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A diffusing layer is introduced as an intermediary between the light sources and the external environment to scatter and均匀ize the light distribution, transforming the discrete LED bright spots into a uniform illuminated arrow pattern that meets graphical representation standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If compliant solutions with color display screens or motorized rotating arrows are used, then safety standards for color, contrast, and uniformity are met, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with safety standards for color, contrast, and uniformityVSAvoidelectrical and mechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized rotating arrow mechanism is replaced with a static grid of independently controllable surface light zones that can be electronically configured to display different directional arrows, eliminating mechanical moving parts while maintaining dynamic indication capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination parameters (brightness, color temperature) of the surface light zones are dynamically adjusted to achieve the required contrast ratios and color specifications for safety compliance, allowing a simple structural design to meet stringent optical performance requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of spaced light emitting diodes are used, then dynamic illumination for multiple directions is achieved, but the solution becomes costly and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic illumination for multiple directionsVSAvoidnumber of light emitting diodes and control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each surface light zone in the grid is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be individually activated or deactivated to form different directional arrows, adjust brightness for various viewing conditions, and contribute to both the arrow pattern and the background illumination, reducing the overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 a cost-effective and compliant dynamic exit sign that meets safety standards for color, contrast, and uniformity, enabling efficient display of directional arrows and other signs like prohibitions, while maintaining simplicity and economic fabrication.

Implementation Method 1

said punctual light sources comprise variously colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) or possibly RGB LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

an additional layer of reflective and/or diffusing material is arranged at the surfaces inside each of said square and triangular compartments in order to optimize the illumination of the viewing side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an additional layer of reflective and/or diffusing material is arranged at the surfaces inside each of said square and triangular compartments in order to optimize the illumination of the viewing side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

said semi-transparent projection layer being disposed on top of the stacking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2958088B1Dynamic exit sign
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • EP2958088B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention concerns a dynamic exit sign (10) for displaying a route direction indication, comprising an illuminated display module for dynamically displaying an arrow in an arrow area of said illuminated display module, characterized in that said arrow area comprises an assembly (11) of adjacent surface light zones having square geometric shape (111) and triangular geometric shape (112) adapted to be activated independently in at least one and/or the other of two safety colors comprising white and green, said adjacent surface light zones of square and triangular geometric shape (111, 112) being arranged together to form a dynamical white arrow (112) on a green background adapted to indicate different route directions depending on which surface light zones of said assembly (11) are activated and in which color.