Leaf-Filtered Sunlight Simulation With a Single-Lens Light Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sunlight simulation devices require multiple lenses, leading to increased apparatus size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A leaf-filtered sunlight simulation control device utilizing a single lens and multiple light sources arranged in parallel, controlled by a light source module to satisfy the condition F < A, where F is the focal length and A is the distance from the center axis to each light source, simulating sunshine filtering through leaves with a simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If natural sunlight is used for plant growth, then plants receive a complete spectrum of light including UV and IR components, but it is difficult to control the spectral composition and intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces leaf filters as intermediary components that selectively transmit specific wavelengths of light (blue, green, red) while blocking others. These filters act as mediators between the sunlight source and the plant, enabling spectral control without complex electronic systems. The filters are integrated into a growth chamber structure, providing passive spectral management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of sunlight by using colored filters that transmit specific wavelength ranges. By selecting filters with different transmission characteristics (blue-transmitting, green-transmitting, red-transmitting), the system dynamically adjusts the spectral composition reaching the plant without altering the fundamental sunlight source.
2Illumination intensity
If artificial grow lights are used to control spectrum, then spectral composition can be controlled, but energy consumption increases and natural sunlight benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active artificial lighting systems with passive optical filtering of natural sunlight. Instead of using energy-intensive LED or fluorescent grow lights to generate specific wavelengths, the system uses passive leaf filters to select wavelengths from the natural sunlight spectrum, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining spectral control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the approach to spectral control by changing from active light generation (artificial lights) to passive light selection (filters). This parameter change in the lighting strategy maintains the ability to control spectral composition while eliminating the high energy consumption associated with artificial grow lights.
3Reliability
If complete sunlight spectrum is provided to plants, then all natural light components are available, but UV and IR components can cause harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful complete sunlight spectrum into a beneficial controlled spectrum by using leaf filters to block harmful UV and excessive IR components while transmitting beneficial visible wavelengths. The filters transform the harmful aspect of complete sunlight (uncontrolled spectral exposure) into a benefit (protected plant growth with optimized spectrum).
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf filters serve as protective intermediaries between the complete sunlight spectrum and the plant. They selectively transmit beneficial wavelengths while blocking harmful UV and excessive IR components, acting as a protective barrier that maintains plant health while still providing abundant light for photosynthesis.
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 device effectively simulates sunshine filtering through leaves with a reduced size and complexity, allowing projection over a larger area while minimizing blurring and capturing the dynamic movement and luminance changes of natural sunlight.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf filter that transmits blue, green, and red wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
irradiance sensors positioned to receive light from the light source
Data Source
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AI summary
A leaf-filtered sunlight simulation control device (100) includes a plurality of light sources (1), a single lens (2), and a leaf-filtered sunlight light source control module (3) to control positions of the plurality of light sources (1). The leaf-filtered sunlight light source control module (3) controls the positions of the plurality of light sources (1) so that F < A is satisfied, where F is a focal length of the lens (2) and A is a distance from a center axis (Z1) of the lens (2) to each of the light sources (1).