LED-Fiber Optic Neon Signage Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based systems that simulate neon lighting suffer from inconsistent output due to varying LED life degradation, manufacturing challenges that lead to wavelength and intensity variations, and rigidity issues, making them difficult to bend and maintain the 'open look' of traditional neon signs.
Innovation Solution
A system combining light emitting diodes (LEDs) with fiber optic material and a clamping mechanism that allows for 90° bending of the fiber optic cable, secured with clips or adhesives, to create a flexible and uniform light emission pattern similar to neon tubes, using a clamp to maintain the minimum bending radius and simulate the appearance of neon signage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple LEDs are closely spaced to simulate neon lighting, then continuous light appearance is achieved, but uniformity of output deteriorates due to varying LED life degradation curves
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light source into multiple independent fiber optic segments, each illuminated by a single LED. This segmentation isolates the degradation of individual LEDs, preventing uniformity issues across the entire light line while maintaining the continuous appearance through proper spacing and sizing of fiber segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Fiber optic material serves as an intermediary between the LED light source and the visible light output. The fiber optic cable conducts light from each LED along its length, creating continuous illuminated segments that maintain uniformity even as individual LEDs degrade over time.
2Reliability
If LEDs are used to simulate neon, then durability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to wavelength and intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
By using separate LEDs for each fiber optic segment rather than a single continuous LED array, the invention reduces the impact of manufacturing variations. Each segment can be independently adjusted and replaced if needed, maintaining overall system precision despite variations in individual LED characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic cable is bent to form signage shapes, then flexibility is improved, but light conduction deteriorates when bending radius is too small
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses flexible fiber optic cables with appropriate minimum bending radii to create signage shapes. The clamp mechanism ensures that bends maintain the required radius to prevent light loss, while the overall system remains flexible enough to form various letter and graphic configurations.
4Reliability
If clamp is used to maintain minimum bending radius, then light conduction is preserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism maintains a specific geometric parameter (minimum bending radius) to ensure optimal light conduction. By controlling this critical parameter, the system preserves light efficiency without requiring complex active control systems, achieving reliability through simple geometric constraints.
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 durable, flexible, and uniformly illuminated LED-fiber optic system that mimics the look and feel of neon lighting without its fragility, allowing for complex signage designs while maintaining the aesthetic of traditional neon signs.
Implementation Method 1
light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
fiber optic material
Data Source
AI summary
An improvement in LED lighting simulative of neon lighting comprises a light cable (3). A clamp (2) coupled to the cable (3) holds an end of the cable (3) in a predetermined bend, and an LED (14) is optically coupled to the cable (3). A support (11) is coupled to the clamp and includes a surface (34) adjacent to the cable (3) to reflect light incident on its surface, which is a diffuse reflector. A clip (4) retains the cable (3) on the support (11). The clamp (2) is at least partially opaque and shields an end of the cable (3) to simulate a neon tube. The LED light source (14) comprises a housing (12) to which the clamp (2) is coupled, and comprises an LED emitter and a reflector. The clamp (2) is mounted on a substrate (21) and at least one additional sign element mounted to the substrate, such as an LED backlit sign element.