Multi-mode Lighting with Fiber Optic Filaments and Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems lack flexibility and adaptability to utilize alternative energy sources reliably for interior lighting and fail to provide a reliable backup when alternative energy sources are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode lighting system that includes a collector unit with fiber optic filaments transmitting radiation to a lighting module, where the radiation is used to generate electricity using a photovoltaic element, and optionally includes a battery and externally powerable light sources, such as LEDs, controlled by a light sensor and control unit to maintain consistent illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional incandescent light bulbs are used, then reliable lighting is provided, but energy efficiency is poor and they will be legislated out of existence
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a light source for interior illumination, generate electricity through photovoltaic elements, and store energy in batteries. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain lighting reliability while improving energy efficiency by utilizing alternative energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components including fiber optic filaments to transmit radiation, photovoltaic elements to convert radiation to electricity, and batteries to store electricity. These intermediaries enable the system to reliably provide lighting while efficiently utilizing alternative energy sources.
2Loss of energy
If alternative energy sources are used for lighting, then energy conservation is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to provide reliable lighting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is designed with dynamic capabilities to adapt to different operating conditions. The control unit can dynamically switch between different power sources (photovoltaic elements, batteries, external power sources) based on availability and requirements, providing both energy conservation and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module serves multiple purposes: interior lighting, electricity generation, and energy storage. This multi-functionality enhances both energy conservation and adaptability, allowing the system to reliably provide lighting while utilizing alternative energy sources.
3Loss of energy
If alternative energy sources are used for lighting, then energy conservation is improved, but reliable backup lighting is not provided when alternative energy sources are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates batteries that can store electricity generated by photovoltaic elements, providing a backup energy reserve. This beforehand cushioning ensures that reliable backup lighting is available when alternative energy sources are unavailable, maintaining both energy conservation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Batteries serve as an intermediary energy storage component that decouples the photovoltaic electricity generation from the lighting load. This allows the system to conserve energy through photovoltaic conversion while providing reliable backup lighting when solar energy is unavailable.
4Productivity
If fiber optic filaments are used to transmit radiation, then radiation transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical wiring and lighting components with fiber optic filament-based radiation transmission systems. This substitution achieves efficient radiation transmission while the integrated photovoltaic and battery components manage the overall system complexity through unified design.
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 system effectively conserves energy by utilizing alternative energy sources and provides reliable backup lighting, ensuring consistent illumination levels by combining solar radiation with battery power and external power sources as needed.
Implementation Method 1
Radiation transmitted by the fiber optic filaments illuminates an area external to the lighting module and impinges the photovoltaic element to generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of fiber optic filaments extend from the collector to the lighting module to transmit radiation from first ends of the fiber optic filaments to second ends of the fiber optic elements
Implementation Method 3
the base of the collector unit includes a wall defining the cavity wherein the wall includes a reflective surface formed on the inside surface of the wall
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode lighting system includes a collector unit and a lighting module. A plurality of fiber optic filaments extend from the collector to the lighting module to transmit radiation from first ends of the fiber optic filaments to second ends of the fiber optic elements. The first ends of the fiber optic filaments are disposed in the collector unit to receive radiation and second ends are disposed in the lighting module to emit radiation received by the first ends of the fiber optic filaments. At least a first portion of the radiation transmitted by the fiber optic filaments illuminates an area external to the lighting module and at least a second portion of the radiation impinges the photovoltaic element to generate electricity.