Signaling Apparatus With Offset Reflection Regions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signaling apparatuses are complex and costly to produce due to the need for individual light sources and electronic systems in each light module, especially in multicolor applications, and they require complex construction to ensure safe transmission of low-voltage electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
A signaling apparatus with a base unit containing light sources and stacked light modules, where light is coupled into the modules via reflection regions that are offset at a predetermined angle, eliminating the need for light sources within the modules and simplifying their design and construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual light sources and electronic systems are installed in each light module, then light emission and signaling functionality are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling apparatus is divided into a base unit containing all light sources and electronic systems, and separate light modules that only contain optical elements. This segmentation removes complex components from individual modules, simplifying their construction while maintaining overall functionality through the modular stacked design.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical waveguides serve as intermediaries to transmit light from the base unit to the light modules. The waveguides couple light generated in the base unit to the light modules, enabling remote light emission without requiring light sources within the modules themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light modules with different geometries are used to receive light from different light sources, then multicolor signaling capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light modules are designed with universal geometry and standardized construction, capable of working with multiple light sources of different colors. The modules can be stacked in different combinations to achieve various color configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture different geometry modules for different colors.
Solution Approach 2:
Different signaling colors are achieved by selectively activating specific light sources in the base unit and using corresponding optical paths to specific light modules, rather than requiring each module to have different geometries or integrated light sources of specific colors.
3Ease of manufacture
If light sources are removed from individual light modules and centralized in base unit, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but light transmission distance and coupling efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Optical waveguides act as intermediaries to efficiently transmit light from the base unit over the required distance to the light modules. The waveguides maintain coupling efficiency through proper optical design, enabling centralized light sources to effectively illuminate remote modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a distributed light source configuration to a centralized configuration, using the vertical stacking dimension to arrange light modules at different heights along the main axis, with optical waveguides providing the light transmission path between the base unit and modules.
4Volume of moving object
If stacked light modules are arranged along main axis with offset reflection regions, then space utilization is improved, but precise angular alignment and positioning are required
Solution Approach 1:
The light modules are designed with asymmetric reflection regions that are offset by predetermined angles relative to each other when stacked. This asymmetric design allows compact vertical stacking while maintaining proper optical alignment, as each module's reflection region is specifically positioned to receive light from the base unit at the appropriate angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset angles of the reflection regions are predetermined during the design and manufacturing phase, allowing modules to be pre-aligned and stacked without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. The predetermined angular offsets ensure proper light coupling when modules are assembled in the stacked configuration.
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 design reduces the complexity and cost of producing signaling apparatuses, allows for more modules to be integrated in a smaller space, and enhances failure safety and multicolor capabilities, while maintaining effective light transmission and emission.
Implementation Method 1
the light modules each having a reflection region for reflecting at least in part the light coupled into the light modules in a signaling direction
Data Source
AI summary
A signaling apparatus for command and/or indicating devices includes a base unit having at least two light sources which each generate light and are arranged on the base unit at a spacing from one another, and at least two light modules which are stacked along a main axis of the signaling apparatus and are operatively connected to the light sources such that light generated by the light sources is coupled into the light modules in a beam direction parallel to the main axis, the light modules each having a reflection region for reflecting at least in part the light coupled into the light modules in a signaling direction. A particular reflection region occupies only a portion of the light module in a peripheral direction of the corresponding light module perpendicular to the main axis of the signaling apparatus, which portion is smaller than a total periphery of the light module.