Flexible Lighting Accessory with Reflective Screen for Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices with linear substrates face limitations in flexibility and light distribution due to their strip-like conformation, restricting their assembly and configuration possibilities.

Innovation Solution

A flexible accessory with a light-permeable body and a reflective screen is applied to standard front- or top-emitting LED lighting devices, allowing for improved flexibility and light distribution by reflecting light sideways, enabling the use of standard LEDs without side-emitting sources and masking internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strip-like substrate is used for lighting devices, then protection against external agents can be provided, but flexibility and bending possibilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against external agentsVSAvoidbending possibilities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is divided into modular segments that can be independently bent and configured. The strip-like substrate is segmented into multiple sections with flexible connections, allowing each segment to be positioned independently while maintaining overall structural integrity and protection against external agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting device transitions from a strictly planar two-dimensional configuration to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. By introducing vertical and angular dimensions through flexible mounting and segment orientation, the device can wrap around surfaces and adapt to complex geometries while maintaining protective encapsulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If standard front- or top-emitting LEDs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but light distribution flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlight distribution configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device transitions from a strictly planar two-dimensional configuration to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. By introducing vertical and angular dimensions through flexible mounting and segment orientation, the device can wrap around surfaces and adapt to complex geometries while maintaining protective encapsulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting device is divided into modular segments that can be independently bent and configured. The strip-like substrate is segmented into multiple sections with flexible connections, allowing each segment to be positioned independently while maintaining overall structural integrity and protection against external agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the substrate structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing precision and light distribution control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidlight distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is divided into modular segments that can be independently bent and configured. The strip-like substrate is segmented into multiple sections with flexible connections, allowing each segment to be positioned independently while maintaining overall structural integrity and protection against external agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable parameters such as flexible segment angles, spacing, and orientation that allow post-manufacturing tuning of light distribution characteristics. This enables standard manufacturing processes to produce components that can be precisely configured during installation to achieve desired optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the assembly and light distribution capabilities of lighting devices, allowing for flexible installation and configuration without the need for side-emitting LEDs or diffusive potting masses, while also providing a means to modify light emission characteristics and conceal internal components.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible reflector (104) extending lengthwise of the elongated body, the reflector having a light-reflective surface (104a) facing the light-permeable portion to reflect light radiation propagated therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3470731B1A lighting device accessory, corresponding lighting device and method
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 INVENTRONICS GMBH
  • EP3470731B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3470731B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b
  • EP3470731B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6c

AI summary

An accessory for lighting devices (100) comprises: - a flexible elongated body (102) configured for receiving therein an elongated, strip-like lighting device (10), the elongated body (102) having a light-permeable light propagation portion (102a) extending lengthwise of the elongated body (102), and - one or more flexible reflectors (104) extending along the elongated body (102), with a reflective surface of the light (104a) facing the light-permeable portion (102a) to reflect the light radiation propagating through the light-permeable portion (102a) of the body (102).