Integrated Light Pipe Illumination for Spa Plumbing Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing fixtures with integrated lighting in spas and pools face issues of high cost and durability due to exposure to rugged environments, which can lead to electrical integrity compromise and safety hazards like electrocution.
Innovation Solution
A molded-in-place integrated light pipe feature using multi-shot molding or pre-mold/over-mold molding with clear plastic over a substrate and decorative layer, incorporating LED or Fiber Optic lighting, and a low-voltage power supply for reliable and safe illumination both above and below waterlines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting elements are incorporated into plumbing fixtures for illumination, then illumination capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase due to waterproofing requirements and electrical integrity protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting element directly into the molded plumbing fixture substrate, creating an integrated assembly where the light source, housing, and plumbing components form a single waterproof unit. This eliminates separate waterproofing requirements and reduces device complexity while maintaining illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a translucent or transparent molded layer as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment. This layer serves as both a protective enclosure and a light transmission medium, simplifying the waterproofing structure while maintaining illumination effectiveness.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting elements are used in pool or spa environments, then illumination is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to rugged environments and potential electrical integrity compromise
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lighting element with the molded substrate into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates interfaces where water infiltration could compromise electrical integrity. The unified structure ensures reliability in rugged pool and spa environments while maintaining illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If separate lighting components are added to plumbing fixtures, then illumination capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting element with the plumbing fixture substrate into a single molded component. This integration allows both parts to be manufactured together in one process, eliminating the need for separate production and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while providing illumination capability.
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 provides a cost-effective, durable, and safe illumination system that disperses light across plumbing fixtures, enhancing safety and aesthetics while withstanding caustic environments, and offering customizable lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
The light pipe, or translucent molded layer functions as an integrated light pipe and thusly allows an applied light to be dispersed from a photo-connected light source across the part either partially or completely
Data Source
AI summary
A plumbing fixture using an integrated light pipe wherein a multi-shot method of injection molding is used to apply transparent, light channeling plastic completely or partially over surface areas of parts used above and below the waterline in the spa, pool or recreational water industry. Light is provided to the transparent over-molded portion of parts via a lighting element that can be molded onto the specific parts to be lit or assembled as a separate component to a part. All parts to be lit are directly or serially wired to a power supply mounted within the major appliance housing and are operated by an appropriate control device. This unique multi-shot manufacturing method and approach to illuminating targeted components and/or features provides lighting effects in a way that is simple and rugged and well suited to the rigorous environment of recreational uses of plumbing fixtures and illumination.