Laser Lighting Apparatus for Narrow Hallways and Fire Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems for narrow areas and fire evacuation paths are complex and prone to failure, lacking depth perception and forward visibility, especially in conditions with smoke or flames, and require extensive infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A laser lighting apparatus using a laser diode and diffraction grating to produce a beam that creates a three-dimensional pattern of dots and lines for area illumination, providing depth perception and forward visibility without the need for complex wiring or fiber optics, suitable for narrow hallways, small rooms, and pool areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lighting systems (wiring, fiber optics, mechanical apparatus) are used for fire evacuation and area illumination, then lighting coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to multiple failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lighting function from complex infrastructure (wiring, fiber optics, mechanical apparatus) and implements it using a simple laser diode system with diffraction grating. The laser diode projects light directly through diffraction patterns created by a grating, eliminating the need for complex delivery infrastructure while maintaining lighting coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical apparatus (rotating mirrors, wired systems) with an optical diffraction-based system. The diffraction grating creates the lighting patterns through optical physics rather than mechanical movement or complex electrical infrastructure, reducing failure points and simplifying the system.
2Illumination intensity
If radial light illumination is used in narrow hallways and small rooms, then area coverage is achieved, but illumination effectiveness is reduced due to limited visibility and lack of depth perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional radial light patterns to three-dimensional illumination by projecting laser diffraction patterns that create depth perception through multiple focal planes. The diffraction grating generates light patterns at different depths, providing both area coverage and volumetric visibility enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the coherent monochromatic light property of lasers to create high-contrast visible patterns against smoke and dark backgrounds. The specific wavelength of the laser diode provides optimal penetration and visibility in emergency conditions, enhancing effective illumination area through superior light propagation characteristics.
3Loss of information
If serially staged laser light columns are used for fire escape guidance, then escape path indication is achieved, but system complexity increases and visibility is reduced in thick smoke conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffraction grating as an intermediary element that transforms the laser beam into extended visibility patterns. The grating diffracts the light to create multiple focal points and lines that guide escape paths, maintaining visibility in thick smoke without requiring complex serial staging or mechanical apparatus.
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 enhances navigation and visibility during emergencies by simplifying infrastructure and reducing failure points, while providing effective area illumination and clear boundary definition in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
laser diode and diffraction grating to produce a beam that creates a three-dimensional pattern of dots and lines
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a laser light system for narrow hallways, a night light for small rooms, and a fire evacuation system. The system provides a means for less infrastructure to light narrow and small areas as well as directional lighting for fire escape.