Modular Glass Tiles with Embedded LEDs and Air Bubbles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tile installations on walls do not allow for easy modification of aesthetic decoration without removing and repositioning tiles, and dark-colored tile coverings often require specific lighting to enhance brightness, limiting flexibility and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A modular furnishing element using transparent glass tiles with internal air bubbles and embedded LEDs, where the LEDs are placed in gaps between tiles to provide adjustable lighting, allowing for dynamic decoration without removing the tiles, and enhancing the aesthetic value of the wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tiles are used for wall covering, then the wall decoration remains stable and durable, but the aesthetic value cannot be modified without removing the tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The tile is divided into two functional layers: a base tile providing structural support and durability, and a separate decorative layer containing the aesthetic pattern. This segmentation allows the decorative layer to be modified or replaced independently without affecting the base tile, enabling aesthetic modification while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative layer is positioned within a groove or channel on the surface of the base tile, creating a nested structure where the decorative element is housed within the tile structure. This allows the decorative layer to be inserted, modified, or removed while remaining integrated with the base tile, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If dark-colored tiles are used for wall covering, then the wall achieves a sophisticated aesthetic appearance, but additional lighting points are required to make the room brighter
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is merged with the tile structure itself by embedding LED light sources within the base tile or along the edges of the groove. This integration provides necessary illumination for dark-colored tiles without requiring separate external lighting fixtures, thereby increasing room brightness while avoiding additional lighting system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove or channel in the tile structure serves as an intermediary element that houses both the decorative layer and the lighting components. This intermediary structure allows the lighting system to be embedded within the tile itself, providing illumination while maintaining a clean, integrated appearance without complex external lighting installations.
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are placed in gaps between tiles for lighting, then the wall can be illuminated, but the lighting system becomes complex and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The groove for housing the lighting elements and decorative layer is pre-formed during tile manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the lighting components will be automatically positioned correctly when installed, eliminating the need for precise field positioning and simplifying installation while maintaining proper illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the decorative layer, positions the lighting elements, and provides a mounting interface for the tile. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms and simplifies the overall installation process while ensuring proper illumination.
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
Enables modification of wall decoration by illuminating the tiles through the air bubbles, creating a high aesthetic level with adjustable lighting, without the need to remove or reposition tiles, and can be manufactured at low cost using standard systems.
Implementation Method 1
transparent glass tiles with internal air bubbles
Implementation Method 2
intrusions 3, constituted by air bubbles
Implementation Method 3
embedded LEDs, where the LEDs are placed in gaps between tiles to provide adjustable lighting
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Modular furnishing elements constituted by a single piece or by a plurality of pieces (2), provided with a plurality of internal intrusions (3) of air and, in a lower region, with an opaque region. The transparent pieces (2) are mutually adjacent so as to define at least one gap (10) at which one or more ribbons (12) with LEDs (13) are embedded or associated. The light, in passing through the piece (2), is refracted through the intrusions (3) thus illuminating the pieces (2).