Mirror with illuminated extruded frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lighted mirrors face challenges in achieving flush mounting against walls due to the depth required for housing electrical components, and controlling the directionality of light behind the mirror is difficult, leading to increased energy consumption for illumination.
Innovation Solution
The use of an extruded frame member with integrated light sources, diffusers, and channels that allow for adjustable angles and wall mounting, enabling a translucent or opaque frame to house electrical components while providing controlled illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the chassis depth is increased to house electrical components, then the components can be properly housed, but the mirror cannot be mounted flush to the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the light source from behind the mirror to the front surface of the mirror, changing the spatial dimension of illumination. This allows the electrical components to be mounted on the front surface rather than requiring deep recesses behind the mirror, enabling flush mounting while still housing components effectively.
2Illumination intensity
If light is placed behind the mirror to illuminate the front side, then illumination is achieved, but more energy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional lighting arrangement by placing the light source on the front surface of the mirror rather than behind it. This inversion allows light to directly illuminate the intended area without having to pass through the mirror glass, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining illumination intensity.
3Illumination intensity
If light is placed behind the mirror, then illumination is provided, but controlling the directionality of light is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the light source position from behind to the front of the mirror, the patent enables direct control over light directionality. The light can now be aimed at specific angles and directions to illuminate particular areas effectively, making directionality control straightforward rather than difficult.
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 allows for a more aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient illumination system that can be mounted closer to the wall, with adjustable light directionality and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is positioned within the extruded frame member and emits light in a direction to illuminate a person using the mirror
Implementation Method 2
A translucent or opaque diffuser is positioned within the extruded frame member at an aperture of the light source channel
Data Source
AI summary
Extruded frame members are connected together to create a frame around a mirror that be illuminated from in front of the mirror. The extruded frame members contain various components in channels or cavities. An extruded frame member can have a channel that contains a light source. A diffuser can be secured over the light source. Another channel is used to hold a mirror in place. The front lit mirror can be hung on a wall utilizing a channel in an extruded frame member. The extruded frame members contain electrical components and mechanical hardware. The hardware is used to attach a plurality of extruded frame members together and to attach an optional decorative frame to an extruded frame member. An extruded frame member is made from transparent or translucent material and can radiate light from a light source contained therein. An extruded frame member is opaque and cannot radiate light.