Illuminated shade or screen assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shade and screen products with integrated lighting devices are hindered by bulky configurations, which restrict their use in rollup functions and outdoor applications due to their thick and cumbersome designs.
Innovation Solution
A rollup shade or screen assembly incorporating a flexible sheet member with flat panel lighting devices, such as micro-LEDs, attached to a support assembly that allows for rolling up and down, and controlled by a control electronics device, providing a thin and flexible lighting solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting devices are integrated into shade products, then illumination function is provided, but the product becomes thick and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible thin film lighting devices (such as flexible LED strips or thin panel lights) instead of conventional bulky lighting fixtures. These thin film lighting elements can be integrated into the shade structure while maintaining a sleek, minimal thickness profile, thus providing illumination without adding significant volume to the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulky lighting fixtures to two-dimensional thin film lighting elements. By changing the dimensional approach of the lighting device (from volumetric to planar), the illumination function is achieved while minimizing the thickness and bulk of the overall product.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting devices are integrated into shade products, then illumination function is provided, but the product becomes cumbersome and unsuitable for rollup function
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible nature of the thin film lighting devices allows them to bend and conform to the rolling motion of the shade. This flexibility enables the lighting elements to be seamlessly integrated into a rollup mechanism without creating stiffness or resistance that would impede the rolling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically flexible lighting elements that can adapt their shape and position during the rolling operation. The lighting devices are designed to move and flex with the shade material, maintaining operational ease while providing continuous illumination throughout the rolling and unrolling cycles.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting devices are integrated into shade products, then illumination function is provided, but the product is unsuitable for outdoor applications
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film lighting devices are inherently more resistant to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature variations, and UV exposure compared to conventional bulky fixtures. Their sleek design allows for better sealing and protection, making them suitable for outdoor installations where durability and weather resistance are critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent likely employs composite material constructions for the thin film lighting devices, combining weather-resistant substrates with protective coatings. This composite approach enhances the durability and environmental tolerance of the lighting elements, enabling their successful deployment in outdoor applications.
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 efficient and effective illumination while maintaining the rollup functionality and suitability for outdoor use by providing a thin and flexible lighting configuration that can serve as both a shade and a display, enhancing usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lighting devices attached to the sheet member. The plurality of lighting devices may be a plurality of flat panel lighting devices
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a sheet member, a support assembly including a movable, elongated member that is attached to a first end portion of the sheet member, an end assembly attached to a second end portion of the sheet member, and a plurality of lighting devices attached to the sheet member. The plurality of lighting devices is a plurality of flat panel lighting devices.