Lighting Device with Reflected Light Sensor for Exit and Emergency Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exit and emergency lights require different lighting outputs, leading to the need for separate light output apparatuses, which increases complexity and storage requirements, as existing solutions do not efficiently adapt to the specific needs of each type of lighting device.

Innovation Solution

A light output apparatus that automatically recognizes the type of lighting device based on the amount of light reflected from its cover, adjusting the luminous flux and lighting pattern accordingly, allowing the same apparatus to be used for both exit and emergency lights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate light output apparatuses are used for exit lights and emergency lights, then the lighting requirements for each device type are met, but the complexity of the system increases and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting requirement fulfillmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single light output apparatus that can function in both exit light and emergency light devices. The apparatus includes a light source, cover, and light sensor that work together to automatically adapt to different device types through reflected light detection, eliminating the need for separate apparatuses for each lighting device type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the light output apparatus to automatically adjust its behavior based on real-time detection of reflected light from the cover. The control circuit dynamically modifies the light source operation in response to sensor feedback, allowing the same apparatus to optimize performance for different device types during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the same light output apparatus is used for both exit and emergency lights, then the number of parts is reduced, but the apparatus must automatically adapt to different lighting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidadaptation to different device types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by incorporating a light sensor that detects reflected light from the cover and provides information to a control circuit. The control circuit uses this feedback to automatically determine whether the apparatus is installed in an exit light or emergency light device and adjusts the light source output accordingly, enabling automatic adaptation without manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the light output apparatus to automatically recognize and adapt to its installation environment without external intervention. The apparatus uses its own light sensor and control circuit to autonomously determine the device type and configure appropriate lighting parameters, eliminating the need for manual setup or external control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If high luminous flux is used for exit lights, then the surface brightness requirement is met, but the luminous flux is unnecessarily high when only indicator illumination is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface brightnessVSAvoidunnecessary luminous flux
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the light source to dynamically adjust its luminous flux output based on real-time detection of reflected light from the cover. The control circuit modifies the light source operation in response to sensor feedback, allowing the same apparatus to optimize power consumption by providing only the necessary illumination level for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the use of a single light output apparatus for multiple lighting devices, reducing parts needed and simplifying installation by automatically adjusting output to meet specific requirements, thereby enhancing operational reliability and reducing storage needs.

Implementation Method 1

The recognition is based on the amount of light reflected back from a cover of the lighting device towards the light output apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3422821B1Lighting device and method in connection with a lighting device
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 TEKNOWARE OY
  • EP3422821B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3422821B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting device and a method in connection with a lighting device, the lighting device comprising one or more light sources (1) and a structural element (3) configured to transmit light. The lighting device further comprises a light sensor (2) arranged in the lighting device to receive light of said one or more light sources (1) that is reflected from the structural element (3) configured to transmit light, and control electronics connected to the one or more light sources (1) and to the light sensor (2) and configured to determine the light output by said one or more light sources that is reflected to the light sensor from the structural element (3) configured to transmit light, and to control the operation of said one or more light sources in response to the determined light.