Embedded Light Rods for Weather-Resistant Building Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies for building surfaces are prone to damage from weather conditions and are difficult to integrate seamlessly with the building structure, lacking durability and versatility, especially when applied to outdoor and floor-level surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An array of tapered rods made from hard transparent or translucent polymer material, embedded in a building material like concrete, with a backbone connecting the rods to receive light input at one end and transmit it to the other, allowing for durable and versatile light-based displays without electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic displays (LCD/LED screens) are placed directly on building surfaces, then display functionality is achieved, but the displays are damaged by weather conditions (rain, snow, wind) and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transparent rods as an intermediary medium to transmit light from hidden LED sources to the building surface. The LEDs are protected inside cavities or channels within the building structure, while the transparent rods convey their light output to the exterior surface, separating the vulnerable electronic components from the harsh outdoor environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds LED light sources within cavities or channels that are integrated into the building structure itself. The building structure contains and protects the electronic components, which are nested within the opaque material, while only the light transmission path (transparent rods) extends to the exterior surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic displays are integrated into building structures, then seamless integration is achieved, but the electronic circuits are exposed to weather damage
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent rods serve as a mediator that allows the building structure to appear seamless while protecting the electronics. The rods transmit light from the protected interior LED sources to the exterior surface, maintaining the aesthetic integration without exposing the electronic circuits to environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vulnerable electronic components (LEDs and circuits) from the exterior building surface and places them inside protected cavities or channels within the building structure. Only the light transmission function remains visible on the exterior, achieved through the transparent rods.
3Illumination intensity
If cavities are cut into building surfaces to embed light sources, then light can be transmitted through the surface, but the building structure is damaged and wiring is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cavities, channels, or voids into the building structure during the manufacturing or construction process itself, before the final surface is completed. This preliminary integration of light transmission paths avoids the need to cut and damage the finished building structure, maintaining its structural integrity while enabling light transmission functionality.
4Illumination intensity
If soft plastic material is placed over light elements, then light can emanate through the material, but the system lacks durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft plastic to hard transparent or translucent material for the rods. This parameter change maintains the light transmission capability while dramatically improving durability, scratch resistance, and weather resistance. The hard material can withstand outdoor environmental conditions that would damage soft plastic.
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 durable, weather-resistant, and aesthetically integrated light display system that can be easily powered and maintained, offering flexibility in design and color, while maintaining the strength and functionality of traditional building materials.
Implementation Method 1
the rods are adapted to receive a light input at the base ends and to transmit the light output to the opposite ends of the rods
Implementation Method 2
transparent array of tapered rods... which is embedded in a building material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
There is provided embedded light guiding parts that allow for light, signals or live images to appear on its surface. Specifically there is provided a light system having an array of rods made in a hard transparent or translucent polymer material embedded in a building material. The tapered rods are held together by a back-bone that connects the bases of the tapered rods to achieve an evenly distributed array of tapered rods, preferably having the same orientation, wherein the rods are adapted to receive a light input at the base ends and to transmit the light output at the front ends of the rods.