Illuminated Assemblies with Diffusing Compound Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated assemblies, such as neon signs and LED signs, face issues with high power consumption, fragility, limited color options, and uneven illumination, while LED signs struggle to replicate the bright, even illumination of neon signs.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing an illuminated signage assembly using a substrate with channels for compact, low-voltage light sources, such as LEDs, and a diffusing compound to achieve even illumination, which can be powered by standard low-voltage outlets and is durable and customizable in shape and color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If neon signs are used to achieve bright, even illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but power consumption increases and safety hazards worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage (neon signs requiring 2000-15000 volts) to low voltage (120 volts or lower), thereby reducing power consumption and safety hazards while maintaining illumination quality through the use of LED light sources and diffusing materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the neon gas discharge mechanism with LED light emitting diodes, replacing the high-voltage electrical discharge system with a low-voltage solid-state lighting system that achieves similar illumination effects with significantly reduced energy consumption
2Illumination intensity
If neon signs are used to achieve bright, even illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex neon transformer system from the illumination design, replacing it with simple low-voltage LED components that can be directly powered from standard electrical outlets, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive LED modules and simple mounting hardware that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the need for expensive, complex neon transformers and glass tube assemblies that require specialized maintenance
3Illumination intensity
If glass tubes are used for neon signs, then bright illumination is achieved, but fragility and shipping costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile glass neon tubes with durable LED modules mounted on rigid substrates, creating a robust illumination system that is resistant to breakage and suitable for various installation environments without the shipping and handling concerns of glass
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining rigid substrates (such as aluminum or plastic) with LED light sources and diffusing materials, creating a structurally sound assembly that maintains illumination quality while eliminating the fragility of glass tubes
4Use of energy by moving object
If LED signs are used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but illumination uniformity worsens due to hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using diffusing materials positioned between the LED light sources and the visible surface, which scatter and redistribute the light locally to eliminate hotspots and achieve uniform illumination across the entire sign surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces diffusing materials as intermediary elements between the LED light sources and the external environment, which mediate the light transmission to produce even, uniform illumination while maintaining the energy efficiency of LED technology
5Strength
If LED signs are used to improve durability, then strength is improved, but ability to maintain rigid shapes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction using rigid substrates (such as aluminum extrusions, plastic boards, or wooden frames) to provide structural support and maintain predetermined shapes, while mounting LED components on these rigid structures to achieve both durability and shape retention
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 provides a bright, even illumination similar to neon signs with reduced power consumption and increased durability, allowing for customizable designs and colors, while maintaining a rigid shape and eliminating hotspots.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffusing compound is defined in an intermediate portion of the channel between the light source and the exposed portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
An illuminated assembly includes a substrate that is rigid so as to maintain a shape, the substrate having a first terminal surface and a second terminal surface. The assembly includes at least one channel defined into the substrate, the at least one channel having: an exposed portion defined on the first terminal surface of the substrate to define an indicia for display, a base portion defined between the first and second terminal surfaces of the substrate, and two channel walls extending from the exposed portion to the base portion. The assembly includes at least one light source between the exposed portion and the base portion of the at least one channel. The assembly includes a compound defined in an intermediate portion of the at least one channel, the intermediate portion extending from the at least one light source to the two channel walls, the exposed portion, and the base portion.