Flexible Light Guiding System for Inclined Roofs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light guiding systems for interior rooms without direct access to the roof are cumbersome and costly to install, particularly when trying to provide natural light from a roof to a ceiling in buildings with inclined or flat roof surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A light guiding system composed of flexible cloth material parts that can be configured into various cross-sectional shapes and lengths, allowing for a flexible and cost-effective installation by forming non-coherent sections that can be independently designed based on the distance between the roof and ceiling, and the inclination of the roof surface, with frames at the roof and ceiling for easier connection and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional light guiding systems are installed in roof structures, then natural light can be provided to interior rooms, but the installation becomes cumbersome and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural light provisionVSAvoidinstallation complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light guiding system is divided into separate modular components: a roof module with a light-guiding element, shaft sections that can be assembled in different configurations, and a ceiling module. This segmentation allows for easier transportation, flexible installation adapted to different roof and ceiling distances, and reduced installation complexity while maintaining effective natural light transmission to interior rooms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light-guiding element utilizes a flexible hollow shaft that can be formed from flexible materials such as plastic or metal sheeting. This flexible shaft can be bent and shaped to accommodate various installation paths through the roof structure, negotiating obstructions and adapting to different architectural configurations without requiring complex rigid structural modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If the light conduit is configured to accommodate different roof and ceiling distances and inclinations, then the system becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different configurationsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft sections are designed to be flexible and adjustable rather than fixed rigid structures. The flexible shaft can be bent to different angles and lengths can be adjusted to accommodate varying distances between roof and ceiling. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to different installation requirements without requiring multiple specialized components for each scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal connection features that allow the same basic elements to be assembled in multiple configurations. The shaft sections can be connected in series to achieve different lengths, and the flexible nature allows the same component to serve different functions in different installation scenarios, reducing the need for specialized parts while maintaining 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

The system provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for installing light conduits between roofs and ceilings, allowing for efficient natural light transmission while accommodating different roof and ceiling configurations, reducing installation complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a light guiding system (1) for guiding light from a roof surface of a building to an inner wall or a ceiling of an interior building room

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3789558B1Light guiding system comprising a shaft arrangement, and method of providing such a shaft arrangement in a mounted condition

Publication Date: 2023.12.06 VKR HOLDING AS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

A light guiding system (1) is provided to form a shaft arrangement (6) which may create a light conduit between an inclined roof of a building and an interior building room with a ceiling. The light guiding system (1) comprises a roof module (4), a ceiling module (5), and the shaft arrangement (6). Two or more of the sections (61, 62, 63, 64) are formed as a piece of cloth of a flexible cloth material from a number of non-coherent parts.