Rail Lighting Fixture Asymmetric Beam Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail lighting fixtures are material-intensive and labor-intensive to manufacture and install, often causing blinding issues for individuals near the track due to their design, and they do not provide uniform illumination along railway tracks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact rail lighting fixture with a housing that directs light beams parallel to the rail's longitudinal direction, using apertures and optical elements to create asymmetric light distributions, reducing material usage and installation time while minimizing blinding effects, and incorporating modular designs and heat sinks for efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting fixtures emit light in a direction traverse to and away from the rail, then the track can be illuminated, but persons near the track can be blinded by the light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric light distribution by directing light beams parallel to the rail's longitudinal direction rather than perpendicular to it. This asymmetric orientation illuminates the track effectively while directing light away from persons standing near the track, thereby reducing the blinding effect while maintaining adequate illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixture provides different lighting directions for different spatial zones: light is directed parallel to the rail for track illumination while avoiding direct illumination of areas where persons may stand. This localized quality control ensures effective track lighting while minimizing harmful effects on nearby persons.
2Illumination intensity
If elongated lighting fixtures are used to illuminate elongated parts of the track, then sufficient illumination coverage is achieved, but the fixtures are material-intensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into multiple compact lighting fixtures distributed along the rail, each emitting light parallel to the longitudinal direction. This segmentation allows coverage of elongated track sections using smaller, less material-intensive units rather than requiring single large elongated fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lighting dimension from perpendicular emission (traverse direction) to parallel emission (longitudinal direction). This dimensional change allows compact fixtures to achieve elongated illumination coverage by directing light along the length of the rail, reducing the need for bulky elongated fixture designs.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting fixtures are installed at intervals along the rail, then uniform illumination can be achieved, but installation is labour-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the lighting direction parameter from traverse to parallel with the rail, which simplifies the mounting geometry and alignment requirements. This parameter change facilitates faster installation while maintaining uniform illumination coverage along the track, reducing the labour and time required for installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If compact lighting fixtures are used, then installation in curved sections and switches is facilitated, but achieving uniform illumination over elongated tracks requires more fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple compact lighting fixtures segmented along the rail, each independently mounted and emitting light parallel to the longitudinal direction. This segmentation provides installation flexibility for curved sections and switches while achieving uniform illumination through the distributed arrangement of fixtures, balancing adaptability with illumination efficiency.
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 solution results in a more efficient, cost-effective, and safer lighting system that provides uniform illumination along railway tracks, reducing material usage and installation time while minimizing blinding effects and allowing for easier installation in curved sections and switches.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source provided in the housing and arranged to emit a light beam, wherein the lighting fixture is arranged to direct the light beam through the aperture towards a lighting direction, wherein the lighting direction has a component that is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the rail
Implementation Method 2
the aperture is provided with an optical element arranged to create the asymmetric light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A rail lighting fixture for providing illumination along a rail of a railway track includes a housing arranged for attachment to the rail and provided with at least one aperture. At least one light source is provided in the housing and arranged to emit a light beam. The lighting fixture is arranged to direct the light beam through the aperture towards a lighting direction, and the lighting direction has a component that is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the rail.