Flickering Mineral Light with LED Control Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mineral lighting systems using incandescent bulbs lack the dynamic and aesthetically pleasing flickering effect that can be achieved with LEDs, and do not effectively utilize the therapeutic properties of minerals under varying light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flickering mineral light system comprising groups of LEDs controlled by a circuit to simulate a flame effect, positioned within or surrounded by translucent minerals like salt rock, quartz, or marble, allowing for varying light colors and intensities to pass through and create a therapeutic and aesthetically appealing glow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If incandescent bulbs are used to illuminate translucent minerals, then a constant source of illumination is provided, but the dynamic flickering effect and aesthetic appeal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling LEDs to switch on and off in sequential groups, creating a flickering effect that mimics natural flames. The control circuit activates different groups of LEDs at different times, producing dynamic light variation through periodic switching rather than continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamics by transitioning from static incandescent bulb illumination to dynamic LED control. The system allows real-time variation of light intensity, color, and flicker patterns through electronic control, enabling the mineral light to adapt its illumination characteristics to create different aesthetic and therapeutic effects.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If incandescent bulbs are used, then simple illumination is achieved, but energy efficiency and heat management are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical incandescent bulb heating element with electronic LED technology. LEDs convert electrical energy directly to light with minimal heat generation, substituting the inefficient thermal radiation mechanism of incandescent bulbs with efficient electroluminescence, thereby reducing energy loss and improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the light source by using LEDs that operate at lower temperatures and higher energy efficiency. The system allows independent control of light output and heat generation parameters, enabling optimization of energy consumption while maintaining desired illumination levels through adjustable LED brightness and duty cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple groups of LEDs are used to create flickering effects, then aesthetic appeal and therapeutic value are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the LED array into multiple independent groups that can be controlled separately. Each group can be activated independently to create different flickering patterns, allowing complex illumination effects to be achieved through simple on/off control of discrete LED groups rather than controlling each individual LED.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple LED groups into a single integrated mineral light system with unified control. The control circuit combines the switching functions for all LED groups into one coordinated system, allowing multiple light patterns and flickering effects to be achieved through a single control unit that manages all LED groups simultaneously or sequentially.
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 effectively mimics a flickering flame or molten material appearance, enhancing the therapeutic and aesthetic experience by using LEDs to illuminate translucent minerals, while allowing for customizable light patterns and colors, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional incandescent bulb systems.
Implementation Method 1
The flickering source of illumination includes a first group of LEDs, a second group of LEDs, a third group of LEDs and a control circuit
Implementation Method 2
The translucent mineral is adapted to allow light emitted by the first, second and third groups of LEDs to pass through the translucent mineral and illuminate an area adjacent to the translucent mineral
Data Source
AI summary
A flickering source of illumination is disclosed. A first, second and third group of LEDs and a control circuit are also disclosed. The control circuit is adapted to control a switch to selectively switch on the first group, the second group, and the third group of LEDs. The flickering source of illumination includes a translucent mineral positioned around the groups of LEDs. The translucent mineral is adapted to allow light emitted by the LEDs to pass through the translucent mineral and illuminate an area adjacent to the translucent mineral. The flickering source of illumination may include a first group of LEDs; a second group of LEDs; and a control circuit. The control circuit may be adapted to control a light output of the first and second groups of LEDs so that the first group of LEDs emits a different color of light than the second group of LEDs. The control circuit may be further adapted to selectively vary a color of the light output of the first group of LEDs and of the second group of LEDs. A translucent mineral positioned around the LEDs is also disclosed. The translucent mineral may be adapted to allow light emitted by the LEDs to pass through the translucent mineral and illuminate an area adjacent to the translucent mineral. The translucent mineral may be selected from a group including a salt rock, quartz, marble and natural stone.