Illuminated Flag With Internal Optical Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flag illumination methods either produce non-uniform lighting, require rigid structures, or need special support systems, failing to achieve a freely flowing and uniformly illuminated flag that can be easily scaled and integrated with standard flag poles.
Innovation Solution
A flag design featuring two flexible layers separated by a spacer to form an optical cavity, with a light source inside for uniform illumination, and optional light distribution elements like filters or Fresnel lenses to ensure even lighting, allowing the flag to be freely flowing and adaptable to standard flag poles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is projected from the ground or nearby structure onto the flag, then the flag and surrounding area are illuminated, but the extra light illuminates the surroundings and mutes the striking image of the flag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the external environment and places it inside the flag structure itself. The light source is positioned within the flag's body, allowing illumination to originate from the flag rather than being projected onto it, thus eliminating the harmful effect of surrounding area illumination while maintaining flag illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is nested within the flag structure, specifically positioned inside the flag's body or within a cavity formed by the flag layers. This nesting arrangement allows the light to be contained within the flag boundaries, preventing light spillage to surrounding areas while ensuring the flag itself is properly illuminated.
2Illumination intensity
If light is projected from the flagpole onto the flag, then the flag is illuminated, but the flag pole becomes bright and the flag lighting is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flag structure into multiple layers or sections, with light sources positioned at different locations within the flag body. This segmentation allows for distributed illumination throughout the flag, achieving uniform lighting patterns while preventing any single area (such as the flagpole attachment point) from becoming excessively bright.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning light sources at specific locations within the flag structure and using diffusing materials at different positions to create uniform illumination. The light distribution is optimized for each local area of the flag, ensuring consistent lighting across the entire flag surface rather than relying on external projection.
3Illumination intensity
If a rigid box structure is used to hold lights, then the flag image is illuminated, but the structure is bulky and does not lend itself to use with standard flag poles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid box structure with flexible flag materials and thin-film light diffusers. The light source is embedded within or attached to the flexible flag structure, allowing the flag to maintain its flexibility and adaptability to standard flag pole configurations while still providing uniform illumination. The flexible nature of the flag material enables it to conform to various mounting arrangements without requiring bulky support structures.
4Ease of operation
If neon lights or strings of small lights are used to create the flag shape, then the flag can be free standing, but the flag becomes bulky, rigid, and non-uniformly lit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces diffusing materials as intermediaries between the light sources and the external environment. These diffusers are integrated into the flag structure and allow light to be distributed uniformly across the flag surface while maintaining the flag's flexibility and soft appearance. The diffusing materials act as mediators that transform the directional light from neon or string lights into diffuse, uniform illumination without requiring the flag to be rigid or bulky.
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 uniformly illuminated flag that is free-flowing and scalable, maintaining the flag's natural movement while using standard flag hanging mechanisms, with all lighting contained within the flag, reducing external light loss and allowing for dynamic shadow texturing effects.
Implementation Method 1
a light source within the optical cavity to illuminate the first and second layers of the flag from within the optical cavity
Implementation Method 2
a light distribution element to adjust the illumination uniformity of the flag
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated flag, the flag includes a first layer of flag, a second layer of flag and a spacer separating the first and second flag layers to form an optical cavity between the first and second flag layers. A light source is contained within the optical cavity to illuminate the first and second layers. A light distribution element between the light source and layers of the flag distributes the light uniformly upon the inside of the layers. This illumination from within the flag provides a substantially uniform glow to the exterior of the flag. The flag can be supported by a standard flag pole and is able to move in a breeze.