Modular Rod Lighting with Adjustable Base Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting solutions lack a continuous, adjustable, and aesthetically pleasing linear light source that can be angled and used effectively in various settings, such as homes, offices, and displays, as traditional bulbs provide point light sources that create uneven illumination and are not easily adjustable.
Innovation Solution
A rod-like lighting system featuring a long, slender wooden or composite rod with a recessed cavity housing a linear light source, such as LEDs, and a base plate that allows for angular adjustment, combined with a knuckle mechanism for multiple rod support, enabling flexible positioning and securement without marring the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional point light sources (bulbs) are used, then the lighting system is simple and inexpensive, but the illumination is uneven and lacks continuous linear light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into modular rod elements, each containing multiple discrete light sources (LEDs) arranged linearly. This segmentation allows the light to be distributed continuously along the rod length, creating uniform linear illumination while maintaining modular simplicity for installation and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-source illumination (0D) to linear distributed illumination (1D) by arranging light sources along the length of the rod. This dimensional change enables continuous linear light distribution, achieving uniform illumination across a extended area rather than concentrated at a single point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed lighting fixtures are used, then installation is simple, but adjustability and versatility for different applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting rod incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the rod to be tilted and rotated to various angles. The base plate design enables the rod to be secured at different orientations, providing adaptability for different lighting applications while maintaining simple installation through friction-fit or snap-in mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod lighting system is designed as a universal fixture that can be applied in multiple settings (desks, shelves, display cases, ceilings) and configured for various lighting angles and orientations. The standardized rod design with universal mounting interfaces allows the same basic component to serve multiple functions across different applications.
3Reliability
If rigid mounting structures are used to secure the lighting rod, then the rod is firmly held in place, but the surface of the rod may be marred or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (such as a rubber grommet, plastic insert, or cushioning material) between the mounting structure and the rod surface. This intermediary provides secure friction-based holding while protecting the rod's finished surface from scratches, dents, or other damage that would result from direct contact with rigid mounting components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If expansion joints or gap elements are added to accommodate thermal and humidity changes, then dimensional stability is maintained, but the appearance may be compromised and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects materials for the rod construction with low coefficients of thermal and moisture expansion, minimizing dimensional changes under varying environmental conditions. By controlling the material parameters (choosing woods or composites with stable dimensions), the system maintains both aesthetic continuity and dimensional stability without requiring visible expansion joints or gap elements.
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
Provides efficient, adjustable, and aesthetically pleasing linear lighting that can be angled to suit different applications, accommodating changes in rod dimensions due to temperature and humidity, while maintaining a sleek and modern appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The insert is made of a resilient material and comprises inwardly facing fins that are forced outwardly apart when the rod is inserted. The resilience of the insert produces friction on the sides of the rod which function to hold the rod at the desired location
Implementation Method 2
The resilience of the insert produces friction on the sides of the rod which function to hold the rod at the desired location slidingly disposed through the base and the insert piece
Implementation Method 3
when the rod is passed through a rectangular aperture in the base plate (preferably asymmetrically located in the base plate with respect to that floor contacting edge) the base plate tilts off of the table top or floor
Data Source
AI summary
A linear array of electric lights is housed in a wooden rod with one side having a light diffuser and the light being otherwise contained in the housing. The bulb or LEDs are wired along with a switch to an AC power supply. A base plate having a small preferably rectangular footprint and an asymmetric located aperture secures and holds one end of the rod therethrough and at an angle to the floor. The aperture of base plate is shaped and of slightly greater dimensions as the cross sectional shape and dimensions of the housing. The rod is held in the aperture to provide a linear array of angled light. The aperture is lined with a plastic snap-in insert. A knuckle is provided to hold several housings. Male and female jacks are provided to electrically connect components.