Reusable Color Filter Accessory for Sealed Recessed Lights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recessed light fixtures typically emit a single color of light, and replacing bulbs to change the color is costly or not feasible in sealed fixtures, limiting the ability to customize lighting for different occasions.
Innovation Solution
A translucent color change accessory with a fastener, such as adhesive or magnetic strips, is mounted over the bulb and trim of a recessed light fixture to filter light to a desired color, allowing easy and reusable color customization without replacing the bulb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If single color bulbs are replaced to change lighting color, then lighting color customization is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A color filter accessory is introduced as an intermediary element between the bulb and the environment. This filter selectively transmits certain wavelengths of light while blocking others, transforming the appearance of light from a single-color bulb into multiple colors without replacing the bulb itself. The filter acts as a mediator that converts one type of light output into another perceived color output.
Solution Approach 2:
The color filter accessory is designed as a low-cost, easily replaceable component compared to expensive smart bulbs or multiple single-color bulbs. The filter can be manufactured from inexpensive materials and disposed of or replaced cheaply when colors are needed to be changed, providing an economical solution for color customization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If sealed recessed light fixtures are used, then fixture integration is improved, but bulb replaceability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into three independent components: the sealed fixture housing, the bulb, and the color filter accessory. This segmentation allows the bulb to remain fixed within the sealed fixture while the color filter accessory can be independently added or removed to change lighting color, maintaining both fixture integration and color customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The color filter accessory is designed to nest within or attach to the existing fixture structure. The filter positions itself between the bulb and the environment, utilizing the existing fixture geometry to mount the filter without requiring fixture modification, thus preserving the sealed integration while adding functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart bulbs with remote control are used, then lighting color control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color control functionality is extracted from the bulb itself and placed into a separate color filter accessory. This extraction removes the need for complex electronic control systems, remote communications, and programmable features within the bulb, simplifying the overall device while maintaining color customization capability through optical filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The color filter accessory provides a simple, non-electronic solution that avoids the complexity of smart bulb technology. By using passive optical filtering materials instead of active electronic control systems, the solution reduces device complexity while achieving color control through physical rather than electronic means.
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 cost-effective and easy adjustment of light color for various events and occasions by filtering existing light through a removable and reusable translucent sheet, enhancing lighting flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the translucent material is configured to pass light of a predetermined color therethrough
Implementation Method 2
In one arrangement, the fastener comprises adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A color change accessory for a recessed light fixture comprises a sheet-like translucent body sized and shaped to cover a bulb of the recessed light fixture and at least partially cover a trim thereof located below a downwardly-facing surface of a support structure carrying the fixture. The translucent material is configured to pass light of a predetermined color therethrough. Further, the accessory includes a fastener supported on one face of the sheet-like translucent body at or adjacent a peripheral edge thereof and configured for mounting to the trim in a mounted condition. The fastener is in the form of one or more strips of material applied to the face of the sheet-like translucent body and extending along a substantially endless path following the peripheral edge thereof. A related method of use comprises mounting the sheet-like translucent body to the fixture and, later, removing the body therefrom.