Lighted Architectural Covering With Reflective Diffused Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing architectural-structure coverings lack the ability to provide aesthetic lighting effects, such as diffused or mood lighting, which is beneficial for enhancing the ambiance during evening hours or events.
Innovation Solution
A lighted architectural-structure covering system that includes a first and second covering, each independently movable between extended and retracted positions, with a light source configured to illuminate the second covering, which reflects light towards the interior space, and a reflector to optimize light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is added to provide aesthetic lighting effects, then illumination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, reflector, and covering into a single integrated architectural-structure covering system. The light source and reflector are positioned within the covering assembly, merging multiple functional components (illumination, reflection, and coverage) into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity while providing aesthetic lighting effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The architectural-structure covering is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural coverage, aesthetic lighting through the light source, and light redirection through the reflector. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require separate components, thereby improving illumination capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Loss of energy
If a reflector is added to optimize light distribution, then light distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is integrated within the covering assembly, merging the light redirection function with the existing covering structure. This integration ensures that light from the light source is efficiently distributed while maintaining a compact design that does not significantly increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary component that redirects light from the light source toward the desired direction, optimizing light distribution efficiency. By positioning the reflector within the covering assembly, it mediates between the light source and the external environment, improving energy utilization without requiring a separate complex lighting system.
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 system provides adjustable lighting effects, allowing users to control the illumination and visibility of underlying structures, enhancing aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting light onto at least a portion of the architectural-structure covering
Implementation Method 2
a second covering movable between an extended position and a retracted position with a light source configured to illuminate the second covering, which reflects light towards the interior space
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted architectural-structure covering is disclosed. In one example of an embodiment, an architectural-structure covering includes a light source arranged and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the architectural-structure covering. The architectural-structure covering may include first and second coverings. The light source is arranged and configured to direct light onto the second covering, which is arranged and configured to reflect, redistribute, etc. the received light toward the interior space of the room in which the architectural-structure covering is located. Thus arranged, the architectural-structure covering may be used to create, for example, diffused-lighting effects.