Electroluminescent Panel Backlighting for Large Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional large format graphic backlighting methods are inefficient, expensive, and cause environmental light pollution, with existing systems being difficult to install and potentially damaging to the graphics due to heavy fixtures and direct lighting that cannot precisely highlight key features.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a backlight section with electroluminescent panels mounted on a plastic sheet featuring visual and registration indicia for precise alignment, allowing for efficient backlighting without stretching the graphic sheet, using pressure-sensitive adhesives or hook and loop fasteners for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional spotlights or direct lighting are used to illuminate large format graphics, then the graphics can be viewed in dark conditions, but the lighting is energy inefficient and causes environmental light pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility in dark conditionsVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spotlight systems with electroluminescent panels that convert electrical energy directly to light through electroluminescence. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy fixtures and complex mounting structures while providing more energy-efficient illumination that can be precisely controlled to highlight specific graphic elements rather than illuminating the entire graphic uniformly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies electroluminescent panels selectively to specific regions of the graphic background rather than uniformly illuminating the entire graphic. This allows precise highlighting of key features such as brand names or important messages while consuming less energy and reducing light pollution compared to traditional full-graphics illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If traditional spotlight systems are used for graphic illumination, then the graphics can be illuminated, but the systems are very heavy requiring strong and expensive structures to support the weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic illuminationVSAvoidweight of lighting fixtures

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical spotlight fixtures with thin, flexible electroluminescent panels that can be directly adhered to the graphic surface. These panels weigh fractions of the traditional spotlight systems, eliminating the need for heavy support structures and complex mounting hardware while providing sufficient illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If lighting is attached to the back of large format graphics in existing backlighting constructions, then the graphics can be illuminated, but it causes stretching or other visually unfavorable movement of the graphics sheet

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebacklightingVSAvoidgraphics sheet stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attaching rigid lighting fixtures to the back of the graphic that pull on the material, the patent applies flexible electroluminescent panels to the front surface of the graphic. This inversion of the mounting approach eliminates the stretching and distortion problems because the panels conform to the graphic surface without exerting pulling forces on the material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Illumination intensity

If a unitary system attaches electroluminescent panels to the back of graphic sheets, then backlighting is achieved, but it creates shipping and installation problems

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebacklightingVSAvoidshipping and installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the illumination system into separate electroluminescent panels that can be individually handled, shipped, and installed. Rather than creating a large unitary assembly that is difficult to manage, the modular panels can be transported separately and attached to the graphic in a controlled environment, significantly improving shipping and installation logistics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables energy-efficient, precise highlighting of key features in large format graphics without stretching or damaging the graphic sheet, reducing installation and shipping complexities while minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

a backlight section and an electroluminescent panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS8844179B2Apparatus and method of backlighting large format graphics

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 ELECTRO LUMINX LIGHTING CORP

AI summary

A backlight section is adapted for use in connection with a large format graphic illumination system. The backlight sheet has one or more electroluminescent panels attached to it. This backlight sheet will be mounted onto a display surface. The graphic sheet is then mounted over the assembled backlight sheet having the electroluminescent panels thereon.