Melamine Foam Light Fixture for Acoustic Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lamps and light fixtures primarily serve a decorative function and are inefficient in terms of material and space usage, as they often prioritize light diffusion and dispersion over other functionalities, and are limited by weight and heat production, which can lead to safety concerns and high costs for unconventional designs.

Innovation Solution

The development of a lamp or light fixture using open cell acoustic foam, preferably melamine foam, which combines illuminating and acoustic functions, providing sound absorption and filtering capabilities while being lightweight, fire-resistant, and aesthetically versatile, allowing for dual functionality in spaces without excessive space loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional materials are used for lamp shades, then light diffusion and dispersion can be optimized, but acoustic absorption functionality is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual functionality (lighting and acoustic absorption)VSAvoidmaterial efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lamp shade is constructed from open-cell acoustic foam material that simultaneously provides light diffusion and acoustic absorption functionality. This multi-functional material eliminates the need for separate acoustic treatment elements, achieving dual functionality while improving material efficiency.

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

2Strength

If heavy materials are used for light fixtures, then structural strength is improved, but weight limitations for ceiling installations are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfixture weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses open-cell foam material as a composite structure that provides adequate structural strength for light fixture applications while maintaining low weight. The foam's cellular structure offers strength-to-weight ratio suitable for ceiling installations without exceeding weight limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If materials close to luminous elements are used, then compact design is achieved, but fire safety risks increase due to heat production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidfire risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs fire-retardant treated open-cell foam material that changes the material parameters to resist ignition and slow combustion. This fire-retardant treatment allows the material to be used closer to luminous elements while maintaining safety standards, achieving compact design without excessive fire risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Shape

If unconventional shapes are designed for light fixtures, then aesthetic value is improved, but manufacturing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic formVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The open-cell foam material can be easily shaped into unconventional forms during the foaming process itself, before the material sets. This allows complex aesthetic shapes to be manufactured through simple mold insertion and foam expansion, avoiding expensive post-processing and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining design freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 solution enables lamps or light fixtures that improve acoustics in working and living areas while maintaining safety and aesthetic considerations, offering a cost-effective and space-efficient method for producing a wide range of shapes and dimensions with enhanced resistance to bending and impact forces.

Implementation Method 1

the open cell acoustic foam, preferably melamine foam, is light-weight, fire-resistant and/or flame retardant. In some embodiments the object can deaden sound by absorption and/or filtering.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

the open cell acoustic foam, preferably melamine foam, is light-weight, fire-resistant and/or flame retardant. In some embodiments the object can deaden sound by absorption and/or filtering.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound filtering: Absorptive Filter

Data Source

PatentEP3194847B1Light fixture made of open cell acoustic foam
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 ISOMO
  • EP3194847B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3194847B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3194847B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a lamp or light fixture made of melamine foam. The invention also relates to a method for producing a lamp or light fixture made of melamine foam. The invention also relates to the use of melamine foam for producing a lamp or light fixture.