Orientable Lighting Device Cover Element Window Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orientable lighting devices partially insert into windows, leaving uncovered areas and causing flare issues due to light reflection from ceilings, which affects the light beam's shape and direction.
Innovation Solution
An orientable lighting device with a cover element that moves over the window, accommodating the lighting unit's tilt and ensuring complete window coverage, preventing flare by maintaining contact with the lighting unit at any angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting unit is made orientable to change light direction, then the lighting versatility is improved, but the window coverage is worsened leaving exposed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into two functional zones: a central engagement area for the orientable lighting unit and a peripheral sealing area handled by the cover element. This segmentation allows the lighting unit to move freely for orientation adjustment while the cover element independently maintains continuous window coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element acts as an intermediary component between the orientable lighting unit and the window opening. It provides the sealing function that the lighting unit cannot provide on its own, allowing the lighting unit to be partially inserted and oriented without compromising window coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting unit is partially inserted in the window to allow orientation, then the orientability is improved, but flare is generated due to exposed window portions
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is positioned to preemptively block the window opening before light can escape and reflect off the ceiling. By establishing this preliminary barrier, the system prevents the formation of flare conditions that would otherwise occur with partial insertion of the lighting unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that partial insertion is necessary for orientation but converts the potential harm (exposed window causing flare) into a benefit by using the cover element to create a clean light boundary. The cover element transforms what would be a harmful exposure into a controlled optical interface.
3Area of stationary object
If the lighting unit is entirely inserted in the window to cover the window, then the window coverage is improved, but the orientation capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the window coverage function from the lighting unit itself and assigns it to the separate cover element. This allows the lighting unit to be partially inserted for orientation while the cover element maintains complete window coverage, resolving the contradiction between full insertion and orientability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a cover element is added to entirely occlude the window, then the flare is eliminated, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the window opening to prevent flare, provides a mounting surface for the lighting unit, and maintains aesthetic continuity with the ceiling. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by delivering multiple benefits from a single element.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns an orientable lighting unit (1) which comprises a frame (2), configured to be mounted to a ceiling and/or a false ceiling, said frame (2) defining a window (6) facing an area to be illuminated, a lighting unit (7) connected to the frame (2) and adapted to be oriented relative to the frame (2), said lighting unit (7) being at least partially inserted in said window (6); a cover element (11) lying over said window (6) and having an opening (12) with an edge (12a), said edge (12a) surrounding said lighting unit (7) and contacting said lighting unit (7), said opening (12) being allowed to move in said window (6) to afford orientation of said lighting unit (7); a pair of uprights (10), said opening (12) and said lighting unit (7) being disposed between said uprights (10), said lighting unit (7) being further connected and adapted to be tilted relative to said uprights (10). The device is characterized in that the cover element (11) is disposed between said uprights (10), said cover element (11) comprising a pair of half-parts (13) which are connected to and adapted to be moved toward and away from each other.