Optical-Filter Mirror Lighting for Uniform Low-Heat Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mirrors for professional use, such as those used in cinematography and photography, fail to provide optimal lighting that is uniform, glare-free, and heat-free, while also being robust, safe, and cost-effective, with conventional lamps being fragile, bulky, and prone to heat-related issues.

Innovation Solution

A mirror with a lighting system that incorporates a plurality of light emitting points filtered by optical filters, including a convex translucent element made from opaline materials, which reduces glare and heat emission, and uses a combination of rigid and yielding filters to enhance safety and reduce bulk, with a bearing structure supporting the reflective material and light sources to create a self-supporting unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional lamps are used to provide bright lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat emission and glare increase making it uncomfortable for prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emissionVSAvoidheat emission
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical filters as intermediary elements between the light sources and the user's face. These filters selectively transmit visible light while blocking infrared radiation, thereby decoupling illumination from heat emission. The filters act as mediators that allow the desired lighting function while eliminating the harmful thermal effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs optical filters with specific spectral transmission characteristics that selectively pass certain wavelengths (visible light) while blocking others (infrared). This wavelength-selective transmission effectively separates the useful light component from the harmful heat component, achieving comfortable illumination without glare or excessive heat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Illumination intensity

If conventional lamps are used to provide sufficient light, then illumination is improved, but the lamps become fragile and dangerous when subjected to vibrations during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emissionVSAvoidrobustness to vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fragile conventional lamps with LED light sources, which are solid-state, vibration-resistant, and have long operational lifetimes. LEDs are inherently more robust against mechanical shocks and vibrations, making them suitable for portable applications where the mirror may be transported frequently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Illumination intensity

If conventional lamps are used to illuminate the face, then light emission is improved, but the lamps take up excessive space reducing storage capacity in transport cases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emissionVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses LED modules that have a much smaller form factor compared to conventional lamp assemblies. The compact LED light sources, combined with efficient optical filtering, achieve the required illumination in a space-efficient manner, allowing more room for cosmetics and other equipment in the transport case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are arranged around the reflective portion to ensure uniform lighting, then illumination uniformity is improved, but the complexity and cost of the lighting system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of light distributionVSAvoidnumber of light sources and filters
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light-emitting LEDs into integrated modules that can be arranged around the reflective portion. By merging multiple light sources and their associated filters into compact modular units, the system achieves uniform illumination while controlling overall complexity through modular design and standardized integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a mirror with improved light distribution, reduced heat and glare, enhanced safety by preventing burns, and a more robust and compact design suitable for transportation, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and efficient use of space.

Implementation Method 1

each of said light emitting points comprises, in front of said light source, at least one optical filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

the at least one optical filter is able to at least partially screen the heat emitted by at least one light source arranged behind it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

The filter according to claim 1 preferably comprises a translucent element, i.e. an element that allows light to pass partially without allowing the outlines of a possible body situated behind it to be distinguished

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

a mirror with a lighting system that incorporates a plurality of light emitting points filtered by optical filters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2298138B1Mirror with a lighting system
Publication Date: 2012.08.22 CANTONI TRADING
  • EP2298138B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2298138B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2298138B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention concerns a mirror with a lighting system comprising at least one reflective portion (5), characterised in that the mirror comprises a plurality of light emitting points (10, 210), and at least one light emitting point comprises at least one optical filter (45, 245, 246). Preferably at least one light emitting point (10, 210), more preferably all of them, comprises at least two optical filters (245, 246), preferably of different types.