LED Lighting Advertising Element with Diffusing Tube and Reflective Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting advertising elements using LEDs struggle to achieve uniform illumination along their length and circumference without visible lighting points, requiring a significant number of diodes and specific distance layouts to prevent point lighting visibility.

Innovation Solution

A lighting advertising element featuring a diffusing tube with a longitudinal gap and an 'H'-shaped housing with grooves, where LEDs are fixed on the upper wall with their lighting side oriented towards the housing, and a masking cover with a reflective inner surface to ensure dispersed light emission, preventing point lighting and enhancing durability and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If LED diodes are placed close to the diffuser wall to reduce the number of diodes, then device complexity is reduced, but point lighting becomes visible from outside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of LED diodesVSAvoiduniformity of illumination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third dimension by placing LED diodes in a plane parallel to the diffuser wall rather than directly against it. The housing creates a structured space with specific distances from the diffuser wall, allowing light to be emitted from multiple depths and angles, which eliminates point lighting visibility while maintaining uniform illumination across the entire diffuser surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is segmented into multiple walls (first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall) that create distinct compartments for positioning LED diodes. This segmentation allows precise control over diode placement at different locations and orientations, ensuring uniform light distribution without requiring an excessive number of diodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If LED diodes are oriented with lighting side towards the diffuser wall, then uniform illumination is achieved, but distance layout requirements increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of illuminationVSAvoiddistance layout between diodes and diffuser
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the housing structure to standardize distances between LED diodes and the diffuser wall. By designing the housing with specific wall thicknesses and compartment dimensions, the patent establishes optimal illumination distances without requiring complex custom layouts, making the system easier to manufacture while maintaining uniform light distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a transparent enclosure is used to protect LED diodes, then reliability is improved, but light diffusion efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of LED diodesVSAvoidlight diffusion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a transparent housing made of thin-walled material that provides mechanical protection for LED diodes while minimizing light absorption and scattering. The housing walls are designed to be sufficiently thin to allow maximum light transmission while still providing adequate structural support and protection, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and light diffusion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 bright and uniform illumination along the entire length and circumference of the diffusing tube, eliminating point lighting and offering improved durability, reduced energy consumption, and cost savings compared to traditional neon displays.

Implementation Method 1

Light emitting diodes (LED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

light rays diffusing tube wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

The main light beam emitted by flat chamfer of the diode penetrates through the adhesive layer, transparent plastic of the housing and then to the wall of light dispersing tube, being the subject of multiple refraction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

The inner surface of the masking cover has been designed as the surface reflecting the light rays.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP1873741B1Lighting advertising element
Publication Date: 2010.09.08 KOPER MICHAL
  • EP1873741B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP1873741B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The element simulating the luminous neon display consists of the light diffusing tube (1) made of plastic, the housing (2) and the light emitting diodes LED (3). The light diffusing tube (1) is made of polyethylene or polypropylene in natural pearl colour or characterized by colouration within its whole volume or with colorized surface or in natural pearl colour, wherein said tube is provided with longitudinal gap (6) with borders (7) and the housing (2) is made of transparent plastic and characterized by rectangular cross - section with the grooves (8) on side walls (9). The light rays diffusing tube (1) is incorporated in the housing (2) by insertion of the borders (7) into the groves (8) in the housing (2). The diodes (3) are provided with the chamfer (13) on their light emitting side (12) and are adhesive bonded onto the upper wall (10) of the housing (2) in the position of the light emitting side (12) oriented towards said housing (2). The masking cover (16) characterized by "C" letter shape is incorporated on the housing (2) and encompasses the lower wall (11) and side walls (9) in the portion protruding out of the contour of light rays diffusing tube (1). The inner surface (18) of the masking cover (16) has been designed as the surface reflecting the light rays. The masking cover (16) is provided with fixed feet (20) enabling the fastening of the element to the general structure of the advertising (22).