Emergency Light Reflector Assembly with Concave Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency lighting fixtures often produce inconsistent illumination and are inefficient due to the use of reflectors that are either too large or inefficient, leading to light loss and incompatibility with typical paths of egress.
Innovation Solution
A compact reflector design with three concave surfaces, including two parabolic cones and a parabolic cylinder, which allows for precise control of light distribution in both horizontal and vertical directions, reducing the size of the unit and improving optical efficiency by eliminating the need for diffusing lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional reflectors are used in emergency lighting fixtures, then the fixtures can provide illumination, but the illumination is inconsistent and the light pattern is incompatible with typical paths of egress
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector employs different concave surface configurations in different regions: a first concave surface with a first axis for vertical light control and a second concave surface with a second axis for horizontal light control. This local differentiation allows the single reflector to generate light patterns adapted to both vertical and horizontal paths of egress, resolving the contradiction between illumination uniformity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector design transitions from traditional single-axis control to dual-axis control by adding a third concave surface that intersects the first and second concave surfaces. This dimensional extension enables the reflector to control light distribution in both vertical and horizontal directions simultaneously, achieving compatibility with various paths of egress while maintaining illumination uniformity.
2Illumination intensity
If larger reflectors with more lamps are used to meet specification requirements, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the unit size increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (first and second lamps) within a single integrated reflector assembly, merging what would traditionally require separate units. The first and second concave surfaces work together within one reflector body to control light from multiple sources, achieving improved illumination coverage while maintaining compact unit size and high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is designed as a universal component that can control light patterns for both vertical and horizontal paths of egress using its multi-axis concave surfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single reflector unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized units, improving coverage without increasing unit size or reducing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If refraction is used in lenses to control light, then light control is achieved, but light is lost during the refraction process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces refraction-based light control (lenses) with reflection-based light control (concave surfaces). The first and second concave surfaces reflect light rays to control light distribution in vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. This substitution eliminates light loss associated with refraction while maintaining effective light control capability.
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 uniform and efficient illumination of narrow paths, reducing the number of units needed and minimizing visual impact, while maintaining control over the light pattern, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and reducing light loss.
Implementation Method 1
a first concave surface configured to reflect first light rays of the first light source from the first concave surface across the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A reflector includes a first concave surface, a second concave surface and a third concave surface. The first concave surface has a first axis and a first opening to receive a first light source. The first concave surface is configured to reflect first light rays of the first light source from the first concave surface across the first axis and not to reflect second light rays of the first light source from the first concave surface. The second concave surface has a second axis and a second opening to receive a second light source. The second concave surface is configured to reflect first light rays of the second light source from the second concave surface across the second axis and not to reflect second light rays of the second light source from the second concave surface. The third concave surface translates along a substantially straight line to intersect the first concave surface and the second concave surface such that the first light rays of the first and second light sources contribute to an interior lighted portion of a lighted pathway that is defined by a combination of the first and second light rays of the first and second light sources.