Hybrid Tubular Skylight with External LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tubular skylights face inefficiencies due to the presence of electric lamps within the tubular body, which obstruct natural light transmission and lead to light pollution, requiring additional artificial lighting and increased energy consumption, while also blurring the distinction between natural and artificial light sources, affecting human perception and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid tubular skylight design integrates artificial light sources, such as LEDs, outside the tubular body, with a diffuser and adjustment unit that automatically controls the combined natural and artificial light flux to maintain consistent illumination, using a luminosity sensor and adjustment unit to optimize light transmission and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If electric lamps are installed inside the tubular body, then artificial light can be provided to illuminate the environment, but natural light transmission is obstructed and skylight efficiency is drastically reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into two separate spatial zones: the tubular body (for natural light transmission) and the annular space between the tubular body and diffuser (for artificial light installation). This segmentation allows both natural and artificial light sources to coexist without interfering with each other's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial light sources are positioned in the annular dimension surrounding the tubular body, rather than inside it. This dimensional relocation resolves the conflict by providing artificial illumination while preserving the central tubular passage for optimal natural light transmission.
2Illumination intensity
If electric lamps are installed inside the tubular body, then artificial light can be provided, but light pollution occurs as about 50% of artificial light flux is dispersed towards the collector and external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial light sources are extracted from the tubular body and relocated to the annular space surrounding it. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of light pollution by ensuring artificial light is directed only into the environment through the diffuser, never back toward the collector.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular space, which could be considered wasted space, is converted into a functional zone for housing artificial light sources. This transforms a potential disadvantage into a benefit, enabling dual lighting functionality while preventing light pollution.
3Illumination intensity
If powerful lamps are used to compensate for dispersed artificial light flux, then desired brightness can be achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of light dispersion into a benefit by strategically positioning lights in the annular space where all light flux is directed usefully into the environment. This eliminates waste and reduces the power needed to achieve desired illumination levels.
4Illumination intensity
If electric lamps are installed inside the tubular body, then artificial light can be provided, but the distinction between natural and artificial light is blurred, negatively affecting human perception and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light sources spatially so that natural light enters through the collector and tubular body while artificial light is provided by sources in the annular space. This spatial segmentation allows users to distinguish between natural and artificial light sources, preserving human circadian rhythm and comfort.
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 solution ensures consistent indoor brightness, maximizes light efficiency, minimizes energy consumption, and enhances user control and comfort by clearly distinguishing between natural and artificial light sources, reducing fatigue and light pollution.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular body (2) provided with a reflecting inner surface (3), so as to bring the light from a first to a second end
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser (6) consisting of a transparent screen with particular optical properties which intercepts the light brought by the tubular body (2) and diffuses it in the environment to be illuminated
Implementation Method 3
at least one luminosity sensor (12) capable of detecting the luminous flux (Φn) of the natural light
Implementation Method 4
an artificial-light source (9) consisting of a plurality of light emitting diodes (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A tubular skylight, comprising a tubular body (2) provided with an inner reflecting surface (3), a light collector (4) mounted to a first end of the tubular body (2) and a light diffuser (6) mounted to a second end of said tubular body (2). The skylight further comprises a source of artificial light (9) external to the tubular body (2) to enable it not to interfere with the natural light, and mounted in the vicinity of the diffuser (6). This artificial-light source (9) is preferably defined by a plurality of LEDs positioned around the diffuser (6) itself.