Flat Menu Folder with Integrated Inductive Lighting Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing menu folders for restaurants and bars are cumbersome, complex, and inefficient due to the need for additional components like energy storage devices and charging mechanisms, making them difficult to produce and use, especially in low-light environments where older or visually impaired individuals may struggle to read menus.
Innovation Solution
A folder with a flat lighting module that integrates a luminescent layer, energy storage layer, and induction layer along a single plane, allowing for easy production and use, with inductive charging and automatic brightness control, eliminating the need for extra components and ensuring consistent illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional electroluminescent lighting is integrated into menu folders, then illumination function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to required energy storage devices and charging mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting module, energy storage device, and charging mechanism into an integrated unit that attaches to the menu folder. This merging of previously separate components into a single integrated system reduces overall device complexity while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for menu reading, contains the energy storage device for powering the lights, and includes charging mechanisms (solar cells or induction charging) that can recharge the battery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components.
2Illumination intensity
If energy storage devices and charging mechanisms are integrated into folders, then self-illumination capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the illumination system into a separate, modular lighting module that can be independently manufactured and then attached to the menu folder. This segmentation allows the folder to be produced using traditional, cost-effective methods while the lighting module is produced separately using specialized processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive materials and simple construction methods for the lighting module, including using a flat battery that can be easily replaced and basic electroluminescent elements. The solar cells or induction charging components are integrated in a cost-effective manner, making the overall system affordable for mass production.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional charging methods are used, then energy storage is achieved, but charging time and reliability deteriorate in hectic restaurant environments with dim lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The induction charging mechanism allows for rapid recharging of the battery by simply placing the folder on a charging base, eliminating the need for manual connector insertion. This preliminary setup of the charging system enables quick energy replenishment during brief moments in the restaurant environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connector-based charging with contactless induction charging. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and connector insertion, which are difficult to achieve in hectic restaurant environments, thereby improving both charging speed and reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electroluminescent layers are attached to the outside of the cover, then advertising or identification function is achieved, but page illumination problem remains unresolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the electroluminescent lighting elements specifically behind the menu pages rather than on the external surface of the folder cover. This localized positioning ensures that the light is directed precisely where needed - through the menu pages for reading - while the external folder cover can still serve advertising or identification purposes with separate external elements.
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 lightweight, easy-to-produce folder that offers consistent and efficient illumination, enhancing readability and convenience, particularly in low-light conditions without the complexity of additional components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one planar induction layer arranged along the luminous module plane for inductively charging the energy storage layer
Implementation Method 2
at least one planar luminous layer arranged along a luminous module plane of the light module for backlighting the leaf
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a folder (300) with at least one holding means (310) for holding at least one sheet of a menu and/or drinks menu parallel to a plane of the sheet and at least one planar light module (200) arranged along the plane of the sheet for backlighting the sheet. The light module (200) comprises at least one planar luminescent layer (210) arranged along a plane (LE) of the light module (200) for backlighting the sheet, at least one planar energy storage layer (220) arranged along the plane (LE) for storing electrical energy to supply the luminescent layer (210), and at least one planar induction layer (230) arranged along the plane (LE) for inductively charging the energy storage layer (220).The at least one luminescent layer (210), the at least one energy storage layer (220), and the at least one induction layer (230) each comprise a plurality of material layers aligned along the luminescent module plane (LE) with different material compositions. The invention also relates to a holding device (100) for the folder (300) and a manufacturing method for the luminescent module (200).