Modular Lighting Fixture Seam Hiding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resin-based modular lighting systems suffer from unsightly gaps and shadows between coupled modules, as well as aesthetically unappealing connective hardware, which detract from their appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of systems and methods that reduce or eliminate the visibility of seams and hardware at the coupling interface between lighting modules by using flexible panels that can be thermoformed or cold-formed into desired shapes, and by positioning lighting elements to illuminate the seams and hardware, thereby minimizing their visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular lighting systems are assembled using multiple smaller lighting modules, then the system achieves flexibility and ease of assembly, but visible seams and gaps appear at coupling interfaces reducing aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic seam and hardware elements from visible view by using lighting elements to illuminate them, making them less noticeable. The connective hardware and seams are not removed but are taken out of the aesthetic domain by using light to de-emphasize their visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lighting elements that emit light to change the visual perception of the seam and hardware areas. By illuminating these areas, the visual contrast changes, making the seams and hardware less apparent and blending them into the overall aesthetic of the lighting fixture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If connective hardware is used to join lighting modules, then structural stability is achieved, but the hardware becomes visible and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting elements serve as an intermediary that mediates between the structural function of the hardware and the aesthetic requirement. The light emitted by these elements acts as a mediator to hide the hardware's visual presence while maintaining its structural role in joining the modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting elements change the visual appearance of the hardware by illuminating it, thereby reducing its visual impact and making it less aesthetically unappealing while preserving its structural function.
3Shape
If lighting elements are positioned to illuminate seams and hardware, then visibility of these features is reduced, but additional lighting components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting elements serve multiple functions: they provide the primary illumination for the lighting fixture's purpose and simultaneously serve to illuminate the seams and hardware to reduce their visibility. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lighting components solely for hiding seams.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting elements illuminate the seams and hardware using their own emitted light, making the system self-serving. The same lighting components that fulfill the primary lighting function also perform the secondary function of reducing seam visibility, without requiring additional dedicated lighting elements for this purpose.
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 enhances the aesthetic appeal of resin-based lighting fixtures by reducing the visibility of seams and hardware, creating a more unified and visually appealing modular lighting system while maintaining modularity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
using flexible panels that can be thermoformed or cold-formed into desired shapes
Implementation Method 2
positioning lighting elements to illuminate the seams and hardware, thereby minimizing their visibility
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture can be configured to display reduced visibility of seams and hardware when illuminated. At the junction site between lighting modules of a modular lighting assembly, support hardware can be positioned within corresponding recesses in the respective coupling ends of the connected lighting modules. An outer element can also be wrapped around the respective outer edges of the coupling ends and partially into the junction site adjacent to the support hardware. Connective seams between the wrapped outer edges and support hardware at the junction between lighting modules can thus be de-emphasized when adjacent lighting elements are activated. Multiple, different shaped modules can be combined to create light fixtures of different shapes.