LED Light Diffusion System for Emergency Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light fixtures with translucent or semi-translucent materials often exhibit hotspots due to visible light sources, and emergency light fixtures can be cumbersome to test, requiring manual observation and potentially hazardous access for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
The integration of light diffusion systems within compact light fixtures using LEDs mounted on a circuit board behind a translucent material with diffusion channels and pits, combined with remote testing capabilities that allow for observation from a safe distance, ensuring even light distribution and battery backup functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light bulbs are placed within a frame with translucent material to create lettering, then the lettering is illuminated, but hotspots become visible through the material
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser material is introduced as an intermediary between the light bulbs and the translucent lettering material. The diffuser scatters the light from the bulbs, preventing direct viewing of the light sources through the lettering, thereby eliminating hotspots while maintaining illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimensional layer (the diffuser) between the light source and the translucent material. This additional layer in the optical path enables light scattering without compromising the illumination function, resolving the hotspot issue.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If internal mirrors are used to bounce light within the frame before passing through translucent material, then hotspots are minimized, but the frame requires sufficient internal area and reflective materials
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mirror system is extracted and replaced with a simpler diffuser material. The diffuser achieves the same hotspot elimination function through light scattering properties rather than multiple reflections, simplifying the overall frame structure.
3Reliability
If emergency light fixtures require extended testing periods with manual observation, then battery backup functionality is verified, but safety risks increase due to required physical proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The manual observation method is replaced with an automated optical detection system using a camera and image processing. This substitution eliminates the need for human proximity to the fixture during extended testing, removing safety risks while maintaining verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-verification through automated image capture and analysis. The camera system automatically monitors the light fixture during extended battery backup testing, eliminating the need for continuous human observation and enabling unattended safety verification.
4Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed at maximum distance from translucent material in compact frames, then uniform light distribution is achieved, but the frame space is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
Thin film diffusers are used to achieve uniform light distribution in compact spaces. The diffuser material can be placed close to the light source while still providing effective light scattering, enabling uniform illumination without requiring the space that would traditionally be needed for distant light source placement.
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 near-uniform light distribution and facilitates remote testing of light fixtures, improving safety and accessibility by eliminating hotspots and enabling efficient battery backup verification without physical proximity to the fixture.
Implementation Method 1
The light diffusion system uses multiple elements to provide near uniform light distribution through translucent shaped components of compact light fixtures
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method for light diffusion and testing fixtures. The system includes remote derangement controls to test the operation of a battery backup system associated with a fixture. The light fixture may incorporate light diffusion features including back mounted light sources, channeled corners in a translucent material and/or pitted surfaces of a translucent material. The system may further include remote monitoring elements and/or sensors to evaluate proper operation of the light diffusion characteristics of a fixture during operation of the battery backup system.