Rod-Shaped Light Sources Overlapping in Three Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for wall, floor, or ceiling installations often produce shadows or emit light in only one direction, making it difficult to achieve uniform and aesthetically pleasing illumination.
Innovation Solution
The lighting system employs at least two rod-shaped light sources, such as fluorescent lamps, arranged to overlap in three directions (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) to create a continuous light band while avoiding shadows, with the option of being surrounded by an opal or prismatic cover for diffuse light distribution and allowing for various cross-sectional shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rod-shaped light sources are arranged in one plane with offsets to create continuous light band, then light continuity is improved, but shadow formation at joints cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging light sources in a single plane (2D) to arranging them in three-dimensional space (3D) with offsets along x, y, and z axes. This dimensional expansion allows light to be emitted from multiple spatial positions, creating overlapping light cones that illuminate joints from multiple angles and eliminate shadow formation while maintaining continuous light band appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial positioning strategies to different light sources within the system. Each light source is positioned with specific offsets along three perpendicular axes relative to its neighbors, creating localized variations in light emission angles and positions that collectively eliminate shadows at joints while maintaining overall light continuity.
2Ease of operation
If opaque housing is used to direct light in one direction, then light directionality is improved, but uniform illumination in multiple directions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple independent light sources positioned at different spatial locations and orientations. Each light source contributes to illumination in a specific direction, and the combination of segmented light sources creates uniform multi-directional illumination without requiring a single opaque housing to control all light directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves from single-directional light control in one dimension to multi-directional light emission by positioning light sources in three-dimensional space with offsets along x, y, and z axes. This spatial distribution enables uniform illumination across multiple directions simultaneously.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If light sources are positioned at angles in multiple planes, then shadow avoidance is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular design where light sources are positioned at standard angular intervals (e.g., 90 degrees) in three-dimensional space with defined offsets along x, y, and z axes. This systematic spatial arrangement, while complex in appearance, can be facilitated by modular components and standardized mounting positions, making assembly more manageable than arbitrary angular positioning.
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
This solution ensures uniform illumination in multiple directions without shadows, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics by preventing shadow formation at joints and allowing for customizable light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
An opal cover 3 ensures a diffusion effect of the emitted light in the direction that is not shaded by the housing
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4.1~4.8
AI summary
Lighting system, in particular for wall or ceiling mounting or suspended installation, for emitting light in two or more directions of a room, wherein the lighting system comprises at least two, preferably rod-shaped, light sources, in particular fluorescent lamps (1), which are arranged in a series overlapping each other, wherein a continuous band of light is produced by arranging the light sources in a series, characterized in that the light sources overlap each other in three directions at an angle to each other (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) (offset a, b, c).