Stack Light Interchangeable Acoustic Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stack lights lack versatility in sound frequency options due to fixed external package sizes, limiting their functionality in complex industrial applications where multiple sound frequencies are needed without altering the device's shape or size.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates interchangeable acoustic chambers within a hollow housing, allowing the same external package to produce various sound frequencies by adjusting the internal chamber dimensions, and uses opposing light sources with translucent side walls to provide even light distribution, enabling 360-degree sound dispersion and blended lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable acoustic chambers are used to provide multiple sound frequency options, then sound frequency versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic chamber is divided into interchangeable segments that can be independently selected and replaced. Each chamber segment is designed as a separate component with specific dimensional characteristics that determine its resonant frequency, allowing the same external housing to support multiple frequency options through simple component interchange rather than redesigning the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The external housing and mounting structure are designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different acoustic chamber segments. The standardized interface and dimensional relationships allow a single housing design to support multiple sound frequency options, making the device multi-functional without requiring multiple complete device variants
2Adaptability or versatility
If internal chamber dimensions are adjusted to change sound frequencies, then sound frequency versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant frequency is changed by modifying the dimensional parameters of the acoustic chamber segments. By establishing standardized dimensional relationships and tolerance ranges, the patent enables frequency adjustment through parameter variation while maintaining manufacturability. The design specifies that lateral opening widths should be in the range of approximately 8-25% of the wavelength of the piezoelectric transducer's fundamental frequency, providing a systematic approach to parameter selection
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to eliminate bright spots, then light distribution evenness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources are combined within a single housing structure with translucent side walls. The light sources are positioned to emit light in opposite directions, and their combined effect creates even light distribution throughout the housing. The translucent walls diffuse and blend the light from multiple sources, merging them into a uniform illumination that eliminates bright spots while maintaining a simple integrated structure
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 configuration allows for multiple sound frequency options in a single external package, ensuring even sound distribution and eliminating bright spots in lighting, enhancing the indicator's functionality and aesthetic appeal in industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
each chamber including a piezoelectric transducer
Implementation Method 2
the chamber, transducer and housing together defining a resonant cavity
Implementation Method 3
a housing with a plurality of at least partially translucent side walls and having a plurality of opposing light sources on longitudinally opposite ends of the housing to produce a very even blended light
Data Source
AI summary
A stack light with a light section having a housing with a plurality of at least partially translucent side walls and having a plurality of opposing light sources on longitudinally opposite ends of the housing to produce a very even blended light. A stack light system with one or more such light sections also includes a sound section having a hollow housing and a set of interchangeable acoustic chambers configured for insertion into the hollow housing, each chamber including a piezoelectric transducer and having a side wall structure configured to abut an inner side wall surface of the hollow housing, the chamber, transducer and housing together defining a resonant cavity. In one embodiment, an acoustic chamber has a longitudinally extending side wall and a substantially closed end wall, the side wall having adjacent the end wall a plurality of wide lateral openings spaced apart along its perimeter, the openings each having a width in the range of approximately 8-25% of the wavelength of the piezoelectric transducer's fundamental frequency.