Flexible Luminescent Layer With Adjustable Cover Opening Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices with luminescent layers, such as those using LEDs, are limited in their ability to control light direction and angle, and can only be influenced electronically, restricting their versatility and application.

Innovation Solution

A flexible lighting device with a flat luminescent layer and a cover layer featuring adjustable opening sections that can change between closed and open positions, allowing mechanical control of light emission without the need for electronic control, enabling flexible and diverse light manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic control is used to influence light emission, then light intensity can be adjusted, but beam direction and beam angle cannot be changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cover layer movable rather than static. The cover layer can change its position between covering and uncovering the light exit units, enabling dynamic control of light direction and beam angle. This mechanical movement provides adaptability in light control without requiring complex electronic control systems for each light unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electronic control mechanisms with a mechanical system. Instead of using electronic control to adjust beam direction and angle, the invention uses a mechanically movable cover layer that physically blocks or exposes light exit units. This substitution simplifies the control system while achieving the desired light control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid cover layer is used to control light escape, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different destinations are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover layer stabilityVSAvoidadaptation to destination

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the flexible shells and thin films principle by using a flexible cover layer instead of a rigid one. The flexible cover layer can be bent and adapted to different shapes and destinations while maintaining its function of controlling light escape. This flexibility allows the lighting device to be customized for various applications without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the cover layer dynamically flexible rather than statically rigid. The flexible cover layer can change its configuration to adapt to different mounting locations and applications, providing both structural stability during use and adaptability during installation and customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If opening sections are made obstructed to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but flexibility and light control capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover layer strengthVSAvoidopening section flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible cover layer with opening sections that can move freely. The flexible material maintains sufficient structural strength while allowing the opening sections to be easily positioned and repositioned. This flexibility enables simple mechanical control of light escape without requiring complex mechanisms or compromising the cover layer's integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 allows for simple and varied influence of light emission, enabling the lighting device to be used in various applications, including shop and shelf lighting, decorative purposes, and ambient lighting, with adjustable brightness, direction, and angle, enhancing its versatility and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The luminescent layer is formed by LEDs, for example, which emit light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

The luminescent layer can, for example, comprise a transparent and/or translucent optical material. The light exiting from the light exit unit is preferably at least essentially unaffected in the luminescent layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3677421B1Illuminating device

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 LEDXON MODULAR GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device comprising a planar, flexible luminescent layer, wherein the luminescent layer has at least one light emission unit, and a planar, in particular flexible, cover layer with several opening sections that are adjustable between a closed waiting position and an open lighting position, wherein the luminescent layer and the cover layer are firmly connected to each other.