Illuminated Tile Systems with Light Guide Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Illuminated tile systems face challenges such as hot spots, dead zones, and weatherproofing issues, which compromise their effectiveness and durability, particularly in outdoor installations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a substrate with light sources, a translucent ceiling, and a hot spot blocking mechanism, along with a derating circuit to extend light source longevity, and uses weatherproof junctions to protect internal lighting from water and dirt, allowing for uniform light distribution and seamless integration of tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are installed in tiles, then illumination is provided, but hot spots and dead zones are created that compromise uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide plate is introduced as an intermediary between the light sources and the visible surface. The light guide plate receives light from LEDs positioned at its edges and distributes it uniformly across its surface through internal refraction and scattering mechanisms, eliminating hot spots and dead zones while maintaining high illumination output.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from direct point-source illumination to a planar light distribution system. By positioning LEDs at the edges of the light guide plate and using the plate's thickness and surface geometry to distribute light, the system achieves uniform two-dimensional illumination from one-dimensional light sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If internal lighting is integrated into tiles, then decorative and safety functions are enhanced, but weatherproofing becomes impractical and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The tile system is divided into separate functional layers: a weatherproof outer tile layer and an internal lighting assembly. The lighting components (LEDs, light guide plate, power supply) are housed in a sealed compartment within the tile structure, allowing the outer surface to be fully weatherproof while maintaining accessible internal components for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent or translucent weatherproof sealant film is applied over the light guide plate and internal components, creating a protective barrier against water and dirt while allowing light transmission. This thin film encapsulation provides weatherproofing without compromising the decorative function or requiring complex sealing mechanisms.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources operate at full power, then illumination intensity is maximized, but light source lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) to control LED operation. Instead of continuous full-power operation, the LEDs are switched on and off at high frequency with variable duty cycles, providing full illumination intensity when needed while reducing overall power consumption and heat generation to extend component lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including current level, pulse duration, and duty cycle based on ambient light conditions and required illumination levels. By operating LEDs at reduced current levels during normal conditions and only using full power when necessary, the system extends light source lifetime while maintaining adequate brightness.
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 enhances the uniformity and durability of illuminated tile systems, reducing hot spots and dead zones while ensuring weatherproofing, making them suitable for both decorative and safety applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources coupled to the substrate to shine a light from the one or more light sources in a substantially uniform pattern towards the ceiling
Implementation Method 2
The ceiling is at least partially translucent to permit at least part of the light from the one or more light sources to shine through the ceiling
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a lighted tile system, comprises a first tile. The first tile comprises a tray that comprises a floor, one or more walls coupled to a perimeter of the floor, and a cavity defined at least in part by the floor and the one or more walls. The first tile also comprises a ceiling coupled to the tray and located substantially opposite the floor of the tray, and a substrate located between the floor of the tray and the ceiling. One or more light sources are coupled to the substrate to shine a light from the one or more light sources in a substantially uniform pattern towards the ceiling. The ceiling is at least partially translucent to permit at least part of the light from the one or more light sources to shine through the ceiling. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.