LED Seat Marker Raceway for Theater Seat Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting solutions in theatres and similar venues do not effectively identify seat locations, particularly in areas where aisle lighting is insufficient for guiding patrons to their seats.

Innovation Solution

A seat marker assembly comprising a central base component with an LED circuit board for illumination, a raceway for mounting, and end wire way assemblies for transitioning electrical conductors, allowing for secure and adjustable mounting on steps or surfaces, facilitating electrical connections and power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional aisle lighting is used, then the overall lighting coverage is provided, but the seat location identification is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat location identificationVSAvoidseat marker visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lighting function into two segments: general aisle lighting for overall illumination and specific LED seat markers for location identification. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function effectively, with the LED markers providing targeted visual information about seat locations without requiring intense overall illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by placing discrete LED light sources at specific seat marker locations rather than providing uniform illumination throughout the aisle. This localized lighting approach provides precise seat location information where needed while maintaining energy efficiency and avoiding excessive overall brightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed mounting structure is used, then the installation is simple, but the adaptability to different step configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic mounting capabilities through adjustable mounting brackets that can accommodate various step depths and configurations. The mounting structure allows for positional adjustment along the step surface, enabling the same device to adapt to different architectural configurations without requiring custom-designed mounting solutions for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal mounting system that can be installed on different step configurations and geometries. The mounting brackets and attachment mechanisms are designed to work across multiple installation scenarios, making the seat marker device versatile and applicable in various theatre and venue layouts without requiring multiple specialized mounting solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If wire harness transitions are not properly managed, then the electrical connections are simple, but the reliability of electrical power supply is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidwire way assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wire way assemblies as intermediary components that manage the transition and routing of electrical conductors between power sources and LED markers. These wire way components provide protected pathways for wires, ensuring reliable electrical connections while organizing and protecting the wiring infrastructure from damage or interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preliminary wire routing and conductor transition planning in the mounting design. The wire way assemblies are pre-configured with appropriate conduits and routing paths that anticipate the electrical connection requirements before installation, ensuring that power supply reliability is established from the outset rather than being an afterthought.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 clear and efficient illumination of seat markers, enhancing visibility and guiding patrons to their seats, even in complex seating arrangements, while ensuring secure and adjustable installation.

Implementation Method 1

an LED carrying circuit board disposed to illuminate the seat marker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9093004B2Seat marker assembly
Publication Date: 2015.07.28 KORRUS INC
  • US9093004B2 patent drawing
  • US9093004B2 patent drawing
  • US9093004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A seat marker assembly including a raceway for receiving and mounting a central base component which includes a seat marker and an LED carrying circuit board positioned to illuminate the seat marker, the raceway further mounting first and second wire way covers on either side of the central base component, the assembly further including an end wire way assembly including a wire way base, an end wire way slide with an integrally formed wire guide, and an end wire way cover, wherein the end wire way slide is configured to slidably mount into the wire way base and the end wire way cover is configured to engage the wire way slide so as to position the wire guide at a selected distance beyond the wire way base.