Transparent Lighting Device with Intersecting Light Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current luminous windows require multiple windows with different light sources for displaying multiple colors, leading to inflexible arrangements for forming signs or logos, as each window emits light of a single color.
Innovation Solution
A transparent lighting device with intersecting light guides delimited by slits, where light sources on opposite sides emit light that intersects and mixes within the intersections, allowing for the creation of multiple colors and patterns without the need for multiple windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple luminous windows are used to display multiple colors, then color variety is improved, but device complexity and arrangement flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources emitting different colors into a single luminous window. Multiple light guides extending in different directions are integrated within one transparent body, allowing light from red, green, and blue LEDs to be combined and displayed through a single window structure, thereby reducing the number of separate windows needed while maintaining color variety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple light guides extending in different spatial directions (first direction, second direction, and third direction) within the same transparent body. This dimensional arrangement allows light from multiple sources to be routed through overlapping paths, enabling color mixing in three-dimensional space rather than requiring separate two-dimensional windows for each color
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple luminous windows are arranged next to each other to form signs or logos, then color display capability is improved, but arrangement flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic control of light emission from different light guides within a single window. By independently controlling the illumination of light guides extending in different directions, the system can dynamically change colors and patterns displayed through the same physical window, allowing flexible formation of various signs and logos without requiring physical rearrangement of multiple windows
3Adaptability or versatility
If light guides extend in multiple directions with intersections, then light mixing and color variety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light guiding function into separate segments - distinct light guides extending in the first direction, second direction, and third direction. Each light guide can be independently controlled and routed, allowing precise control over light mixing at intersection points while maintaining a modular structure that manages complexity through functional segmentation
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
Enables flexible and aesthetically pleasing displays of multiple colors and patterns by mixing light from different sources within the transparent body, improving upon the rigidity of traditional luminous window arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
The light that is emitted from the light sources and guided through the light guides is delimited by the slits, since light which is incident on the slit at an angle other than orthogonal to the slit is reflected. Thus, the light is guided through the light guides by total internal reflection.
Implementation Method 2
When the light that is emitted from the light sources and guided through the light guides is incident on a slit at an angle orthogonal to the slit, the light travels through the slit with almost no disturbance in the direction of travel.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments relate to functional and decorative lighting. A transparent body (100) comprises a plurality of light guides (130, 140) forming a matrix. Light is emitted from light sources (210, 220). In the cells of the matrix in which light from different light sources (210, 220) intersects, the light is mixed which results in different cells having different colors.