Stair Riser Light with Recessed Housing and Hidden Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor deck areas often lack sufficient lighting, and existing systems are aesthetically unpleasing, pose hazards, and require surface wiring, which can be unsightly and dangerous.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system integrated into deck materials, such as stair risers, that hides wires and focuses light downward for safety and aesthetics, allowing for easy installation by homeowners without specialized carpentry, using components like front plates, rear housings, and seals to protect against environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting systems are mounted on the surface of deck materials, then lighting function is provided, but hazards such as catching feet or clothing occur and aesthetic value is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is nested within a cavity in the stair riser, with the housing positioned inside the vertical face rather than mounted on the surface. This nesting approach allows the lighting function to be maintained while eliminating the hazard of protruding elements that could catch feet or clothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from a surface-mounted two-dimensional configuration to a recessed three-dimensional configuration within the stair riser cavity. This dimensional change allows the light to be positioned within the material thickness, eliminating surface-level hazards while maintaining illumination function.
2Ease of manufacture
If wires are run on the surface of posts, railings, and deck surface, then lighting can be installed, but the look is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The wire access is provided through a hole in the bottom of the housing that is positioned within the cavity of the stair riser. This nesting approach allows wires to be routed through the deck material rather than along the surface, maintaining installation feasibility while achieving a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity in the stair riser acts as an intermediary structure that accommodates both the light assembly and wire routing. This intermediary space allows wires to be hidden within the deck material thickness, serving as a mediator between the need for wire access and the desire for aesthetic appearance.
3Shape
If light assembly extends minimally from stair riser surface, then aesthetic value is improved and safety is enhanced, but light focusing capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is positioned at a specific location within the housing to control light distribution. By optimizing the lens position and shape, the system achieves effective light focusing capability while maintaining minimal extension from the stair riser surface, balancing aesthetic appearance with illumination performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly is positioned within the third dimension (depth of the cavity) rather than extending in the horizontal dimension. This allows the light to be focused downward onto the stair surface through the bottom of the housing, maintaining focusing capability while achieving minimal external extension for aesthetic and safety purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for illuminating stairs and a method for installing the same. The wiring for the lighting system may be hidden from view, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, the lighting system may be installed simultaneously with the deck itself, or afterwards. Embodiments of the present invention include stair riser lights which extend only minimally from the front surface of the stair riser. Embodiments of the present invention may focus the light towards the horizontal surface in front of the stair riser. Embodiments of the present invention may also protect the lighting system from environmental damage. Embodiments of the installation method include utilizing a jig so that the light assembly may be quickly and accurately installed.