Multi-Function Light Pipe for Dynamic Pattern and Color Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light pipe technologies lack the ability to provide dynamic and customizable illumination patterns, colors, and images, limiting their versatility and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A light pipe apparatus comprising a first light source, an optical sheet, a first mask, a clear diffusion sheet, a second mask with a longitudinal slot, and a light pipe, where each light source can be independently controlled for timing, intensity, and color, allowing for the projection of varied patterns and images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and optical components are added to enable dynamic and customizable illumination patterns, then the versatility and aesthetic appeal are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independent light sources (first light source for top illumination, second light source for edge illumination) that can be independently controlled. Each light source works with separate optical components (optical sheet for first light source, clear diffusion sheet for second light source) and masks (first mask with pattern, second mask with longitudinal slot) to create different illumination patterns. This segmentation enables versatile customization of illumination patterns while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can project patterns through the first light source and first mask, create edge-lit illumination through the second light source and clear diffusion sheet, and combine both functions simultaneously. The light pipe itself serves as both the illumination medium and the projection surface, enabling the device to produce diverse illumination patterns, colors, and images from a unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independently controllable light sources with multiple parameters are used, then the illumination customization capability is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically controllable light sources where the first and second light sources can be independently adjusted in terms of timing, intensity, and color. This dynamic control capability allows real-time customization of illumination patterns without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or reconfiguration of the optical path, achieving versatility through electronic control parameters rather than physical complexity.
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 dynamic projection of customizable patterns and images with enhanced aesthetic appeal by utilizing independently controllable light sources and masks to shape and filter light effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source; at least one optical sheet positioned above the first light source
Implementation Method 2
a clear diffusion sheet positioned above the first mask and aligned coplanar with the first mask; a second light source configured to illuminate an edge of the clear diffusion sheet such that the clear diffusion sheet is edge lit by the second light source
Implementation Method 3
a first mask positioned above the at least one optical sheet; a second mask positioned above and coplanar with the clear diffusion sheet, wherein the second mask includes a longitudinal slot for light to pass through
Implementation Method 4
a light pipe positioned above the second mask and aligned with the longitudinal slot such that light passing through the longitudinal slot impinges on at least a portion of the light pipe for projection from the light pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes a light pipe apparatus (100) which comprises several elements: a first light source, at least one optical sheet (115) positioned above the first light source, a first mask (120) comprising inverted images positioned above the optical sheet, a second light source, at least one clear diffusion sheet (130), a second mask (135) comprising a slot positioned above the second mask, and a light pipe (140). Light in the form of an image from the first mask illuminates and passes through the clear diffusion sheet. An edge of the clear diffusion sheet is aligned with the second light source. The second mask is aligned with the faces of the clear diffusion sheet and positioned between the clear diffusion sheet and the light pipe. Each of the first light source and the second light source may be monochromatic or vary in color. Parameters such as timing, intensity, pulsing, oscillation, etc., may be independently controlled.