Fiber-Bonded Interior Lighting for Homogeneous Light Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior lighting devices using fiber-optics face challenges in achieving a durable connection and homogeneous light distribution, as the connection between optical fibers and light entry segments can be fragile and require processing, leading to potential contamination and reduced light homogeneity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device where the ends of light-conducting fibers are materially bonded to form a light transfer region during an injection molding process, eliminating the need for processing and creating a mechanically durable component with integral optical elements for efficient light distribution, allowing for a flat, large surface area lighting solution with reduced contamination risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light entry segment has a cylindrical fitting for the end of the optical fiber to connect the light entry segment to the optical fiber, then the lighting device can be assembled, but the connection becomes fragile and requires processing of the optical fiber ends which may lead to contamination and reduced light homogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light entry segment and optical fiber into a single integral unit through injection molding. The optical fiber ends are embedded directly into the light entry segment during the molding process, eliminating the need for separate fitting components and post-assembly connections. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of manufacture (single-step molding) and reliability (permanent embedded connection without fragile fittings).
Solution Approach 2:
The light entry segment serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural housing and the connection medium for the optical fibers. The injection molded structure simultaneously provides mechanical support, optical coupling, and contamination protection, eliminating the need for separate connection fittings and reducing the number of manufacturing steps required.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ends of the optical fiber are processed to obtain an appropriate light entry surface and bundled together to form a light entry surface, then the light distribution can be optimized, but additional processing steps are required which increase manufacturing complexity and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber ends are positioned and embedded into the light entry segment during the injection molding process itself, before any post-processing could occur. The molding process automatically creates the light entry surface by forming the optical fibers into the desired configuration within the molded structure, eliminating subsequent processing steps for surface preparation, bundling, or polishing.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection molding process itself creates the appropriate light entry surface configuration without requiring separate processing operations. The molten material flows around and bonds to the optical fiber ends, automatically forming the structural and optical interface needed for light entry, thereby making the system self-sufficient in creating its own light entry surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the light entry segment and optical fiber are connected through a fitting, then the components can be assembled, but the assembly may be too fragile for some installation situations and movements may reduce light homogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light entry segment and optical fiber into a single monolithic structure through injection molding. The optical fibers are permanently embedded within the molded material, creating a rigid, vibration-resistant connection that cannot be accidentally disconnected or misaligned during installation or operation, thereby providing both installation flexibility and connection strength.
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 approach results in a durable, cost-effective, and efficient lighting system with improved homogeneity and reduced weight, enabling brighter and more flexible interior lighting designs with minimal post-processing and fewer electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The injection molded longitudinal segment is subsequently processed to obtain the optical elements along its length
Implementation Method 2
the at least one light-entry surface forms an optical element along the length of the longitudinal segment, which is designed as a diffusing element, focusing lens, and/or mixing lens
Implementation Method 3
the at least one light-entry surface forms an optical element along the length of the longitudinal segment, which is designed as a diffusing element
Implementation Method 4
at least one light-conducting fiber with which the light is emitted into the interior
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for the production of a lighting device, and the lighting device is also provided for lighting an interior. The device has at least one cylindrical longitudinal segment, at least one lateral segment that extends away from the longitudinal segment, and at least one light source. The at least one longitudinal segment has at least one light entry surface along its length, and at least one light transfer region through which light is conducted into the lateral segment. The at least one lateral segment is flat, and contains at least one light-conducting fiber through which light is emitted into the interior. The at least one light-conducting fiber is materially bonded to the at least one longitudinal segment to form the light transfer region. This results in a simple, quick and inexpensive production, with a mechanically durable connection, which results in a homogenous light distribution.