External Electrode Fluorescent Lamp Cap Electrode Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The External Electrode Fluorescent Lamp (EEFL) suffers from reduced illuminance due to light being obstructed by external electrodes when fixed to holders, leading to a deterioration in light transmission.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a lamp body with cap electrodes and band electrodes positioned on the outer surface, where spring holders with stoppers ensure the exposed surface between the electrodes aligns correctly to face objects, preventing rotation and ensuring light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lamp is fixed to holders by directly connecting band electrodes to metal holders, then electrical connection is achieved, but light transmission deteriorates due to obstruction by external electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
Cap electrodes are introduced as intermediary components between the band electrodes and metal holders. These cap electrodes provide the electrical connection function while being positioned to minimize light obstruction, thus mediating between the electrical connection requirement and light transmission requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is moved from a direct lateral connection (band electrode to holder side) to an end-connection structure (cap electrode at lamp end to holder). This dimensional change in connection approach allows light to pass through the lamp body without being blocked by the connection components
2Strength
If the lamp is fixed to holders, then mechanical support is provided, but the light-emitting area cannot stably face objects due to rotation
Solution Approach 1:
Stoppers with asymmetric features (protrusions or notches) are designed to mate with corresponding asymmetric features in the holders. This asymmetric design creates a unique fitting orientation that prevents rotation, ensuring the light-emitting area stably faces the intended direction while maintaining mechanical support
Solution Approach 2:
Stoppers are designed in advance to prevent rotation before it can occur. The stopper features (protrusions or notches) are pre-configured to interfere with any rotational movement, counteracting the tendency of the lamp to rotate when mounted to the holder
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
This configuration stabilizes the light-emitting area to face objects effectively, enhancing illuminance by preventing external interference and ensuring consistent light transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a glass tube itself acts as dielectrics to induce discharges and emit light
Implementation Method 2
induce discharges and emit light
Implementation Method 3
a fluorescent material is coated on the inner surface
Implementation Method 4
configured to apply a voltage to the band electrodes through the plurality of cap electrodes
Implementation Method 5
the stopper is interfered by the first end of the first fixing part or the first end of the second fixing part to restrict the light-emitting area from rotating about the center axis of the lamp body
Data Source
AI summary
A rare gas lamp device is disclosed. The rare gas lamp device includes: a lamp body provided in a shape of a cylinder to contain a rare gas and a fluorescent material for emitting light; a plurality of cap electrodes fixed to both ends of the lamp body; a plurality of band electrodes extending in a length direction from the plurality of cap electrodes and arranged opposite to each other with respect to a center axis of the lamp body, and positioned on a circumferential surface of the lamp body, wherein a light-emitting area of the lamp body is an exposed surface of the circumferential surface of the lamp body between the plurality of band electrodes; a spring holder coupled with each of the plurality of cap electrodes and configured to apply a voltage to the band electrodes through the plurality of cap electrodes, the spring holder including a first fixing part configured to support a first side of the cap electrode, a second fixing part configured to support a second side of the cap electrode, and an inserting opening formed between a first end of the first fixing part and a first end of the second fixing part such that the cap electrode is inserted in the inserting opening; and a stopper protruding from each of the plurality of cap electrodes, wherein, when each of the plural of cap electrodes is inserted through the inserting opening, the stopper is interfered by the first end of the first fixing part or the first end of the second fixing part to restrict the light-emitting area from rotating about the center axis of the lamp body.