Edge-Lit Flat Panel Lighting Fixture with Integrated Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing repetitive lighting fixtures, such as traffic and pedestrian signals, are costly to produce and operate, and occupy significant space, while also being inefficient in terms of energy usage and lumens output.
Innovation Solution
The development of an edge-lit flat panel lighting fixture using a light-transmissive substrate with integrated optics that reflects light through its surface to project desired images, utilizing LEDs as light sources for efficient energy use and compact design, allowing for multiple image configurations and color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional repetitive lighting fixtures are used, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but production and operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/incandescent lighting systems with LED-based lighting, substituting a more efficient technological system. This substitution maintains the reliability of signal transmission while significantly reducing production and operational costs through the inherent efficiency of LED technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the lighting system by implementing dimming capabilities and variable brightness levels. This allows the system to operate at lower power levels when full brightness is not needed, reducing operational costs while maintaining signal reliability through adaptive parameter adjustment
2Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting fixtures are used, then sufficient light output is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional high-energy-consuming lighting fixtures with LED-based lighting, which delivers sufficient illumination intensity while consuming significantly less energy. The LED technology inherently provides high luminous efficiency, maintaining light output requirements while reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic or intermittent lighting operation through dimming controls and timing mechanisms. Rather than continuous full-power operation, the system adjusts lighting intensity based on operational requirements, maintaining sufficient light output when needed while reducing overall energy consumption through periodic adjustment
3Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting fixtures are used, then adequate signal visibility is achieved, but space occupation on utility poles is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film LED modules and compact optical components that can be mounted in space-efficient configurations on utility poles. The use of planar, thin-profile lighting elements maintains signal visibility while occupying minimal space compared to traditional bulky lighting fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple lighting elements and optical components in a nested or layered configuration, where components are arranged to maximize space utilization. This allows adequate signal visibility through multiple light sources while consolidating the overall structure to minimize space occupation on utility pole mounting surfaces
4Device complexity
If conventional lighting systems are used, then simple structure is maintained, but lumens output per energy unit is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional lighting system where LED modules serve multiple purposes: primary illumination, dimming control, and potential color variation. This universal approach maintains relatively simple system structure while achieving high lumens per energy unit through the efficiency of LED technology and integrated control capabilities
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 results in a thinner, more energy-efficient lighting fixture that produces higher lumens output, reducing production and operational costs while offering flexible image and color changes.
Implementation Method 1
an edge-lit flat panel repetitive lighting fixture that mixes light from light emitting diodes (LED) in a light waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The optics reflects light emitted from the light source(s) through the panel(s), and the light exits the first planar surface(s) of the panel(s) to form and project the illuminated image
Data Source
AI summary
A repetitive lighting fixture will alternate between at least two different illuminated images projected in a desired direction. The fixture includes edge-lit flat panels that are configured and/or overlayed to reproduce one or more desired images. Each panel is made of light-transmissive material, which optionally may contain colorant. Each edge-lit flat panel contains optics coupled with a second planar surface of the panel. The optics are arranged to define a desired shape of an image and are configured so as to cause light distributed within the panel to exit a first planar surface of the panel. Each panel has its own light source that projects light into a light transmitting edge of the panel. The panel's light source can include light emitting diodes (LED) that only or selectively illuminate the specific optics of that panel.