Self-Centering Lens Unit for Fountain Lighting Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting units for water features and pond systems lack precise alignment of light beams, leading to diffuse radiation that is not suitable for complex water features or systems requiring clear light emission over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering further lens unit is integrated into the lighting unit, fixed via a covering cap with an inner guide, allowing precise alignment of the beam path and enabling the use of a thin lens for optimal focusing, which can be retrofitted into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional lighting unit with a single lens is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light beam alignment is diffuse and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit is divided into multiple functional components: a housing, a light source, a first lens for initial light alignment, and a second lens unit for additional alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, with the first lens handling broad light distribution and the second lens unit providing precise beam alignment, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lens unit is integrated into the housing in a nested manner, where the lens unit is positioned within the existing housing structure. This nesting approach allows the additional alignment functionality to be added without requiring a complete redesign of the housing, thus improving beam alignment precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lighting unit is designed for precise beam alignment from the beginning, then complex water features can be illuminated, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first lens performs preliminary alignment of the light beams before they reach the second lens unit. This preliminary action reduces the alignment burden on the second lens unit, allowing it to focus on fine-tuning the beam path. This two-stage approach enables precise beam alignment while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to designing a single complex lens system from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the light source, holds the first lens, and provides a mounting structure for the second lens unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby achieving precise beam alignment without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing lighting units are retrofitted with additional alignment components, then precise light emission is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second lens unit is designed as a separate, extractable component that can be added to existing lighting units. This extraction approach allows the precise alignment functionality to be introduced as a modular addition rather than requiring integration of the lens into the housing, thereby achieving improved beam alignment while keeping the retrofit system relatively simple and maintainable.
4Manufacturing precision
If a thin lens is used for optimal focusing, then beam alignment precision is improved, but the lens is more difficult to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into a first lens for initial alignment and a second thin lens unit for precise focusing. By dividing the optical functions, the thin lens unit can be optimized for its specific focusing task without needing to perform multiple functions, making it easier to manufacture and install while still achieving high beam alignment precision.
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 provides precise alignment of light beams, suitable for complex water features and long-distance light emission, while also offering a retrofit solution for existing units and enhancing sealing against splash water.
Implementation Method 1
A further lens unit (12) for additional alignment of the light emitted by the light source (2) is integrated into the lighting unit (1), fixed via a covering cap (13) with an inner guide
Implementation Method 2
enabling the use of a thin lens for optimal focusing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting unit for water features, pond systems or the like, with a housing (1) sealed at least against splashing water, which is provided with a light source (2) and a lens (10) for directing the light emitted by the light source (2), wherein the lighting unit has a further lens unit (12) that can be self-centeringly fixed by means of a cover cap (13) for additional direction of the light.