Emergency Lighting Variable Optics Motorized Lens Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency lighting units require laborious manual processes to change the output angle of the lighting beam, which is time-consuming and inefficient, necessitating frequent adjustments throughout the unit's life cycle.

Innovation Solution

An emergency lighting unit with an electrically or electronically variable optics module, controlled by an output angle command generator, allows for seamless adjustment of the output angle without manual intervention, using a motorized lens and feedback mechanisms for precise control, and can be integrated with floor plan software for automated angle settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual lens exchange is used to change output angle, then different emergency lighting applications can be achieved, but the process is laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput angle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidlens exchange time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a motorized lens mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of the output angle without manual intervention. The lens can be rotated electrically to change the light distribution pattern, transforming a static manual exchange system into a dynamic automated system that adapts to different emergency lighting applications instantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical lens exchange process with an electrical motor-driven system. Instead of using screwdrivers and manual handling to exchange lenses, an electric motor rotates the lens to different angular positions, substituting mechanical manual operation with automated electromechanical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual lens exchange is used to change output angle, then different light distributions can be achieved, but the effort required is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution variationVSAvoidlens exchange effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting the lens angle through motorized control. The emergency lighting unit autonomously changes its light distribution pattern without requiring human intervention, effort, or manual lens handling, thereby eliminating the laborious exchange process while maintaining adaptability to different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a motorized mechanism as an intermediary between the control system and the lens. This intermediary component translates electrical commands into mechanical lens rotation, mediating the adjustment process and eliminating the need for direct manual handling of the lens by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lenses with different output angles are provided, then different emergency lighting applications can be covered, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency lighting application coverageVSAvoidoptics module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal optics module where a single lens can perform multiple functions by being rotated to different angular positions. Instead of requiring multiple separate lenses for different emergency lighting applications (anti-panic, escape route, spot lighting), one lens serves all purposes through motorized angular adjustment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution significantly reduces the effort required to change the output angle, enabling easy switching between different light distributions like anti-panic, escape route, and spot lighting, and automates the process, eliminating manual handling and inspection steps, thus enhancing efficiency and precision.

Implementation Method 1

a motorized lens, controlled by an output angle command generator, allows for seamless adjustment of the output angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an optics module configured to define an output angle of a light emitted by the lighting module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4240116A1Emergency lighting unit with variable optics
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4240116A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4240116A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4240116A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an emergency lighting unit. The emergency lighting unit, comprises a control circuit, a preferably LED based lighting module, an optics module configured to define an output angle of a light emitted by the lighting module, an output angle command generator, and an electrically or electronically variable optics module configured to vary or set the output angle as a reaction to receiving a command signal generated by the output angle command generator electrically or electronically connected to the variable optics module.