Light-source with fabric diffusing layer for uniform textile illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting textiles using LEDs as light sources face challenges in achieving uniform light distribution across the fabric surface, as LEDs are small point sources, and the use of diffusers to create a continuous light display is not effectively addressed in current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A light-source design incorporating a diffusing element with a non-woven fabric layer, where the density of the fabric is lower near the LEDs to allow light expansion and higher density further away for homogeneous diffusion, along with optional additional layers for color enhancement and mechanical protection, and encapsulation for wear-resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are distributed over the fabric surface, then the light source can be integrated into textile, but only the small fraction of fabric covered with LEDs emits light
Solution Approach 1:
A diffusing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED light sources and the fabric surface. This diffuser receives light from the LEDs and redistributes it across the fabric, enabling uniform illumination while maintaining textile integration. The diffusing element acts as a mediator that transforms point-source light into area-source light.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric structure is modified to create local variations in light interaction. By incorporating diffusing elements at specific locations and utilizing the fabric's inherent optical properties, the system achieves uniform overall illumination while maintaining the ability to control light distribution in different regions of the textile.
2Illumination intensity
If LEDs are mounted on top of fabric, then light emission is achieved, but the soft look and feel of textile is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light sources are nested within or behind the fabric structure rather than mounted on top. The diffusing element is positioned between the LEDs and the viewer, creating a nested arrangement where the light-emitting components are concealed within the textile layers. This nesting approach preserves the soft appearance while maintaining light emission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric and diffusing elements are designed as flexible, thin-layer structures that maintain the textile's soft characteristics. The diffusing element uses thin film or fabric-based materials that conform to the flexible nature of the underlying textile, preserving the soft look and feel while enabling uniform light distribution.
3Illumination intensity
If air gap is used between lighting units and diffusive material, then light cone can expand for scattering, but the air gap must remain essentially constant for homogeneous scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from controlling a single-dimensional air gap distance to utilizing a multi-layered structure where light scattering occurs through multiple interfaces and paths. By adding the diffusing element as a separate layer, the design allows light to expand and scatter through the fabric's inherent three-dimensional structure, eliminating the need for precise control of a single air gap dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the diffusing element are optimized to compensate for variations in spacing. By adjusting the scattering and refractive properties of the diffusing material, the system maintains homogeneous light distribution even when the distance between LEDs and the diffusing surface varies, reducing the need for precise mechanical spacing control.
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 achieves a substantially continuous and uniform light distribution across the fabric surface, preventing color mixing and enhancing the soft appearance of textiles while maintaining mechanical durability.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusing element being arranged to receive and diffuse light emitted by said at least one lighting unit
Implementation Method 2
The portion of the diffusing element being located close to the lighting units has a low density, and thus provides a spacing between the lighting units and the more dense portion of the diffusing element, where the major part of the light diffusion occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A light-source comprising at least one lighting unit (101) being arranged on a substrate (102) and a diffusing element (103) being arranged to receive and diffuse light emitted by said at least one lighting unit (101) is provided. The diffusing element (103) comprises a layer of non-woven fabric having a lower density at a side facing the lighting unit and a higher density at a side opposite to the lighting unit to obtain good diffusing properties.