Illuminated Containers With Fiber Optic Base Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated containers like terrariums and aquariums face issues with unsightly light fixtures outside the container, risk of electrocution, and light obstruction due to holes in the walls or bottom, which compromise the integrity and safety of the closed system.
Innovation Solution
A container lighting system using a lighted base with fiber optic cables or transparent rods to direct light internally without electronic devices inside the container, employing indexing means like magnets for precise alignment and debris prevention, ensuring light distribution without compromising the container's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light fixtures are placed inside the container, then illumination is achieved, but safety risk increases due to electrocution danger
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the interior of the container and positioned on the exterior base. Fiber optic cables transmit light from the external source through the container bottom to illuminate the interior, eliminating electrical devices from the container interior and removing electrocution risk while maintaining illumination functionality
2Illumination intensity
If holes are cut through the walls or bottom of the container, then light can pass through, but container integrity is compromised allowing water and debris to pass or escape
Solution Approach 1:
Fiber optic cables serve as an intermediary medium to transmit light through the container bottom without creating physical holes or openings. The light is conveyed through the optical fibers which can be positioned against the container exterior, allowing light transmission while maintaining the sealed integrity of the container walls and bottom
3Illumination intensity
If light fixtures are placed above the container, then illumination is provided, but the fixtures appear unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from visible positions above or inside the container and relocated to the base below the container. This hidden positioning eliminates unsightly fixtures from view while fiber optic cables deliver light to the container interior, achieving both illumination and aesthetic goals
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the light source is positioned outside the container, then safety is improved, but precise alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Indexing features such as magnets or alignment marks are incorporated into the base and container assembly to establish predetermined alignment positions before final assembly. This preliminary positioning guidance ensures that the external light source aligns correctly with the fiber optic cables and container opening, achieving both safety and 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 safe and efficient internal illumination of containers without holes, reducing the risk of electrocution and light obstruction, maintaining the container's closed integrity while allowing customizable light positioning and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light receiving articles positioned interior to the container for receiving light from the light emitting sources
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is for illuminated containers and illuminated container systems comprising one or more light emitting sources which may be incorporated into the base in combination with a container to be illuminated (such as a terrarium). In one embodiment, one or more light emitting sources may be incorporated into a base such that light from the light emitting sources projects into a container where fiber optic cables may be embedded to receive the light such that the light can be carried and emitted at various locations throughout the container even though there is no light source in the container itself. Multiple fiber optic bundles may be used depending on the size of the glass container and the desired installation. Various indexing means may be utilized to insure alignment between the light emitting sources and the light receiving articles.