Hybrid Illumination System for Display Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional daylight-harvesting systems face challenges in supplementing sunlight during night or inclement weather without compromising efficiency, and traditional illumination methods for display cases often result in shadowing and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
The integration of small light-emitting elements, such as LEDs, between the observer and the object to be illuminated, which are positioned to minimize shadowing and enhance illumination efficiency by supplementing sunlight with artificial light, controlled by sensors to maintain consistent lighting levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional linear fluorescent lighting is used to supplement daylight, then illumination during night or inclement weather is improved, but the toroidal luminous intensity distribution requires opaque reflective coatings that compromise sunlight-harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple linear fluorescent lamps arranged in a specific configuration, allowing each lamp to contribute to overall illumination while minimizing the need for reflective coatings that would block sunlight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-source or omnidirectional lighting to linear fluorescent lamps with directional luminous distribution, utilizing the linear dimension to guide light propagation and reduce reliance on reflective surfaces
2Illumination intensity
If internal lighting is used in display cases, then object illumination is improved, but the frames become bulky and case dimensions are not ideal for viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is extracted from the internal structure of the display case and implemented through the transparent cover using fluorescent lamps with reflective shields, eliminating the need for internal light sources and associated structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the transparent cover as a flexible mounting surface for the fluorescent lamps and reflective shields, allowing thin-film-like integration that maintains case sleekness while providing effective illumination
3Illumination intensity
If viewer-facing illumination is used, then object visibility is improved, but the viewer casts shadows on the objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent lamps that produce directional light propagation, creating a lighting pattern that minimizes shadow formation by illuminating objects from multiple angles simultaneously through the transparent cover
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent cover acts as an intermediary medium, allowing light to pass through and illuminate objects from above while preventing direct line-of-sight shadow casting by the viewer
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 approach allows for efficient hybrid illumination systems that maintain optimal viewing conditions while minimizing shadowing and optimizing light usage, ensuring consistent illumination levels by integrating small, unobtrusive light sources that complement natural light.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide confines the sunlight via total internal reflection, and at least a portion of the sunlight is extracted from the light guide to exit through the emission surface
Implementation Method 2
The extraction element disrupts the total internal reflection of sunlight confined in the light guide, thereby extracting sunlight through the emission surface
Implementation Method 3
The one or more light-emitting elements emit artificial light by applying a potential difference across the device and/or passing a current through the device
Implementation Method 4
Examples of LEEs include solid-state, organic, polymer, phosphor-coated or high-flux LEDs
Implementation Method 5
An LEE may include a phosphorescent or fluorescent material for converting a portion of its emissions from one set of wavelengths to another
Implementation Method 6
An LEE may include a phosphorescent or fluorescent material for converting a portion of its emissions from one set of wavelengths to another
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with certain embodiments, interior spaces are illuminated with a combination of harvested sunlight and artificial light emitted by one or more light-emitting elements.