Lighting Assembly Illuminative Panel Surface Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light emitting panel assemblies are limited in size and number of light sources due to the requirement for light sources to be positioned along the edge of the panel, restricting flexibility in design and lighting distribution.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting panel assembly where light sources are positioned at an input area on the primary surface of the panel member, allowing light to be propagated through the panel member, which can include various coatings and materials to manage refraction, reflection, and diffusion, enabling uniform light output and flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light sources are positioned along the edge of the panel member, then the light source configuration is simple and easy to manufacture, but the size and number of light sources are limited by the panel thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from edge-mounted light sources (one-dimensional positioning along the thickness) to surface-mounted light sources (two-dimensional positioning on the primary surface). This dimensional change allows light sources to be positioned anywhere on the large primary surface area, dramatically increasing flexibility in light source size, number, and distribution without being constrained by panel thickness.
2Device complexity
If light sources are positioned along the edge of the panel member, then the structural configuration is straightforward, but the lighting distribution uniformity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different regions of the panel to have different lighting characteristics by positioning light sources at specific locations on the primary surface. The panel member can incorporate various coatings and materials at different zones to control refraction, reflection, and diffusion locally, achieving uniform or customized light distribution patterns across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel member acts as an intermediary between the light sources and the illuminated space. By positioning light sources on the primary surface and using the panel's internal structure with various coatings, the system mediates light propagation to achieve uniform distribution, separating the light source placement freedom from the light output uniformity requirement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are positioned on the primary surface of the panel member, then flexibility in design and lighting distribution is increased, but the device complexity increases due to additional coatings and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The panel member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the light-conducting medium, incorporates light-management coatings (reflective, refractive, diffusive), and provides the mounting surface for light sources. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while maintaining design flexibility and lighting performance.
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
This approach allows for increased flexibility in panel assembly design and lighting effects, enabling uniform light distribution along the primary surface without the limitations of edge-mounted light sources, and allows for creative lighting effects through the use of different refractive and reflective properties.
Implementation Method 1
The light can be transmitted and reflected through the panel member such that a uniform light output distribution is provided along a surface of the panel member
Implementation Method 2
The light can be transmitted and reflected through the panel member such that a uniform light output distribution is provided along a surface of the panel member
Implementation Method 3
The light source can be positioned to provide light to the panel member at an input area along the primary surface of the panel member
Data Source
AI summary
Light emitting panel assemblies and panel members for light emitting panel assemblies are provided. In some embodiments, a light source can be positioned to provide light to the panel member at an input area along a primary surface of the panel member without requiring light to be input from an edge surface of the panel member. Light emitted into the panel member can be refracted, reflected, diffused, and/or transmitted from the panel member based on the refractive, reflective, and other optical properties of the panel member to provide a desired light output, such as a uniform light output along at least a portion of the primary surfaces of the panel member. In some embodiments, the light emitting assembly can include surface coatings, treatments, reflectors, and/or materials to manage the refraction, reflection, diffused and/or transmitted of light in the panel member.