Pigmented Silicone Gel for Universal Landscape Lighting Color

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing landscape lighting fixtures lack a universal solution for varying the color of light output, as specialized hard plastic discs and covers are fixture-specific and require mechanical connections, limiting adaptability across different brands and styles.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, pigmented silicone gel that self-adheres to landscape lighting fixtures, allowing for easy installation and removal without disassembly, and can be cut to size to fit any fixture, providing a universal and versatile means to modify light hue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hard plastic discs or covers with mechanical connections are used to color landscape light output, then the color can be changed, but the solution becomes fixture-specific and cannot be used universally on different lighting fixtures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal applicability to different fixturesVSAvoidmechanical connection requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone gel filter is designed as a universal solution that can be applied to multiple types of landscape lighting fixtures regardless of brand, size, or style. The gel's flexible nature and self-adhering properties enable it to conform to various lens geometries without requiring fixture-specific mechanical connections, thus achieving multi-functionality across different lighting applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical connection systems (clips, screws, interference fits) with a self-adhering silicone gel that bonds directly to the lens surface through adhesive properties. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical fastening mechanisms and disassembly procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If fixture-specific hard plastic discs are used, then color change is achieved, but installation requires disassembly and mechanical connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddisassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone gel replaces mechanical attachment systems with a self-adhering material that bonds directly to the lens surface. This eliminates the need for disassembly, clips, or mechanical fasteners, allowing users to simply apply the gel to the exterior lens surface and achieve secure attachment without time-consuming disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The silicone gel possesses self-adhering properties that enable it to bond to the lens surface without requiring external fastening mechanisms or complex installation procedures. The material's inherent tackiness allows it to secure itself to the lens, eliminating the need for additional adhesives, clips, or mechanical attachment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If universal flexible filters are used, then adaptability to different fixtures is improved, but the filtering material must be flexible and self-adhering rather than rigid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various fixture typesVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible silicone gel instead of rigid hard plastic to create the color filter. This flexible material can conform to various lens geometries and fixture types, providing universal applicability. The gel maintains sufficient structural integrity through its viscoelastic properties while allowing the flexibility needed to adapt to different lighting fixture configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The silicone gel functions as a composite material that combines the optical filtering properties of pigmented plastic with the flexible, self-adhering characteristics of silicone rubber. This composite structure provides both the color filtering capability and the mechanical flexibility needed for universal application across different fixture types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 quick and effortless color change of light output on various landscape lighting fixtures, accommodating different brands, sizes, and styles, with the gel being reusable, weatherproof, and applicable to diverse lighting types, including LED and incandescent bulbs.

Implementation Method 1

a self-adhering, pigmented gel configured to modify the hue of the light from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption and filtering: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the gel can self-adhere to the exterior lens of a landscape lighting fixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10663145B2Colored silicone gels for tinting landscape lighting

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 URBAN GARY M

AI summary

A lighting assembly includes a lighting fixture. The lighting fixture comprises a housing defining a cavity having an open end and a light source positioned within the cavity of the housing and configured to emit a light from the housing. The lighting assembly further includes a self-adhering, pigmented gel configured to modify the hue of the light from the light source.