Edge Lit Panel Module for Movable Barrier Opener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable barrier opener systems for garage doors and gates face challenges with auxiliary lighting, including increased size, complexity, and power infrastructure requirements, as well as inconvenience due to the need for separate light actuators.
Innovation Solution
An edge lit panel module that provides auxiliary lighting and communicates system status using a light diffusion panel with an optically transmissive material and edge light source, which can be integrated into the movable barrier operator, remote actuator, or the barrier itself, minimizing size and power infrastructure while offering user alerts and security lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional auxiliary lighting systems are used in movable barrier opener systems, then lighting function is provided, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary lighting function with the status indicator function into a single integrated light source. The LED array serves dual purposes: providing security lighting to illuminate the area around the opener and displaying system status through different illumination patterns (steady, blinking, colored lights). This merging eliminates the need for separate lighting components and their associated control circuits, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same LED array and control circuitry that manage status indicators are also used to provide security lighting. The system can switch between different lighting modes (steady illumination for security, blinking patterns for alerts) based on operational context. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the lighting subsystem architecture.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional auxiliary lighting systems are used in movable barrier opener systems, then lighting function is provided, but power infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery paths for status indicators and auxiliary lighting into a single integrated circuit. The same power supply and control electronics that drive the status LED array are also used to power the auxiliary lighting function. This consolidation reduces the overall power requirements compared to having separate lighting systems, and simplifies the power distribution infrastructure needed to support the lighting functions.
3Illumination intensity
If separate light actuators are used for auxiliary lighting, then lighting function is provided, but user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of status indicators and auxiliary lighting into a single integrated control system. The controller that manages barrier operation and status display also automatically controls the auxiliary lighting based on the same operational context. Users benefit from automatic lighting activation without needing to manually control separate light actuators, improving convenience while maintaining effective illumination.
4Device complexity
If integrated edge lit panel module is used, then system size is reduced, but lighting and status communication functions must be combined
Solution Approach 1:
The edge-lit panel module is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides auxiliary lighting and status communication. The LED array can operate in different modes: steady illumination for security lighting, blinking patterns for alerts, and different colors to indicate various system states. The same physical component and control circuitry handle both lighting and communication functions, reducing system size while maintaining versatility through software-controlled functional differentiation.
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 edge lit panel module reduces system complexity and power requirements while providing effective user alerts and security lighting, enhancing user experience and system efficiency by integrating lighting and status communication within a compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffusion panel having an optically transmissive material configured to radiate light, and with an edge and a face connected by an optical path through the light diffusion panel
Implementation Method 2
diffusion effectors of the light diffusion panel along the optical path and configured to redirect the light
Data Source
AI summary
A movable barrier opener system is provided. The movable barrier opener system may include one or more edge lit panel modules. The one or more edge lit panel modules may include edge light sources that can be selectably illuminated by a controller of a movable barrier operator to communicate a system status to a user of the movable barrier opener system.