Multi-Directional Exit Sign Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exit signs are not easily visible in emergency situations, especially when smoke is present, as they are often mounted high on walls and do not provide adequate directional guidance for individuals crawling on the floor.
Innovation Solution
A slim exit sign design with a U-shaped translucent area and multi-directional LED lighting that projects light in front of, below, and to the sides of the sign, enhancing visibility and directional guidance, particularly when mounted low on walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If exit signs are mounted high on walls, then they are less obstructed by smoke, but they become less visible to individuals crawling on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multi-directional lighting by adding lateral light projection capabilities in addition to forward illumination. The light sources are arranged to emit light in multiple directions (front, sides, and below), transforming a single-direction illumination system into a multi-dimensional lighting system that illuminates both high and low areas, making the sign visible to both standing and crawling individuals regardless of mounting height
2Illumination intensity
If conventional exit signs are used, then the design is simple, but visibility and directional guidance are inadequate in smoke-filled areas
Solution Approach 1:
The exit sign is divided into multiple functional lighting zones with separate light sources: a primary light source for front illumination, secondary light sources for lateral illumination, and tertiary light sources for downward illumination. This segmentation allows each light source to serve a specific directional purpose, collectively providing comprehensive visibility in smoke-filled areas while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular component arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a translucent cover as an intermediary element that diffuses and distributes light from the light sources in multiple directions. This mediator component enhances the effectiveness of the lighting system by scattering light to illuminate smoke-filled areas more uniformly, improving visibility without requiring direct line-of-sight to the light sources themselves
3Length of stationary object
If a slim exit sign design is used, then the sign profile is reduced, but lateral visibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning specific light sources and translucent areas at strategic locations on the slim sign body. Translucent areas are incorporated on the lateral sides of the sign, and light sources are arranged to direct illumination laterally through these translucent regions. This localized optimization of light emission and material transparency compensates for the reduced overall profile depth, maintaining adequate lateral visibility despite the compact form factor
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 exit sign is more noticeable and effective in guiding individuals to exits, even in smoke-filled areas, by providing uniform illumination and clear directional cues, aiding navigation during emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
a peripheral side portion having a translucent area, defined by a unitary, refractive lens cover, which is U-shaped
Implementation Method 2
A light source is configured to emit light through the translucent area
Data Source
AI summary
An exit sign includes a main body, a front panel and at least one light source. The main body includes a rear portion, a peripheral side portion and an opening. The peripheral side portion has a first translucent area which is U-shaped. The front panel is received in the opening and includes a symbol indicating a location of a building exit, with the symbol establishing a second translucent area. The at least one light source emits light through the first and second translucent areas, with the first translucent area providing lighting directly in front of the exit sign, directly below the exit sign and directly on either side of the exit sign. The exit sign is particularly configured to be mounted low on a hallway wall to enable a person crawling below a level of smoke in the hallway to be visually guided to an exit door.