Lighting module for fluid delivery apparatus and fluid delivery apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery apparatus with integrated lighting face challenges such as externally visible light sources that detract from aesthetic appeal, are prone to damage, and limit lighting design options.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module with a polymeric substrate coated in a chromium-based reflective coating that is partially permeable to light, housing light sources within the module, and using a mask and lens to control light emission, ensuring the light sources are concealed when not in use and protected from external damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed on external surface of fluid delivery apparatus, then lighting function is provided, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates due to visible light sources when not emitting light
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are extracted from the external surface and relocated to the interior of the fluid delivery apparatus. The housing contains the light sources internally, while only the light output is visible through the translucent or transparent portions of the housing, eliminating the visual clutter of external light source components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with translucent or transparent thin wall portions that allow light to pass through while maintaining a sleek, continuous exterior surface. This enables the light sources to be concealed within the housing while still providing external illumination, preserving aesthetic appeal.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed on external surface of fluid delivery apparatus, then lighting function is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are nested within the interior of the housing, which provides physical protection from external damage, moisture, and wear. The housing acts as a protective enclosure that shields the vulnerable light source components while still allowing light emission through designated translucent or transparent portions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are placed on external surface of fluid delivery apparatus, then lighting design options increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for light sources, defines the aesthetic exterior appearance, and controls light emission through its translucent or transparent portions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite supporting multiple lighting design options.
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 concealed lighting that enhances aesthetic appeal, protects the light sources from damage, and increases lighting design possibilities without compromising functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a chromium-based reflective coating coated on at least an outer surface of the polymeric substrate
Implementation Method 2
The polymeric substrate and chromium-based reflective coating are at least partially permeable to light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention refers to a lighting module (10) for a fluid delivery apparatus (200, 300, 600, 700, 800, 8000, 900, 1000, 1100), which includes a first portion (12) including a polymeric substrate (14) having a chromium-based reflective coating (15) coated on at least an outer surface of the polymeric substrate (14). The polymeric substrate (14) and chromium-based reflective coating (15) are at least partially permeable to light. The lighting module (10) further includes at least one light source (30) disposed within the lighting module (10). The at least one light source (30) is configured to receive power from at least one power source (32) and emit light through at least the polymeric substrate (14) and chromium-based reflective coating (15) of the first portion (12). The at least one light source (30), when emitting no light in an unlit condition, is concealed within the lighting module (10) behind at least the polymeric substrate (14) and chromium-based reflective coating (15) of the first portion (12). The invention also refers to a fluid delivery apparatus (200, 300, 600, 700, 800, 8000, 900, 1000, 1100) capable of selectively carrying or dispensing a flow of fluid, the fluid delivery apparatus (200, 300, 600, 700, 800, 8000, 900, 1000, 1100) comprising the lighting module (10) according to the invention.