Translucent Flange Light Transmission for Bathing Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bathing installations such as whirlpool baths and spas often lack integrated lighting solutions for fittings like air jets, water jets, and control valves, which can create aesthetic and functional challenges.
Innovation Solution
A lighted fixture assembly featuring a translucent flange structure with threaded nut and light source receptacles, allowing for secure mounting and efficient transmission of light through the fixture, providing illumination on the opposite side of the wall from the mounting side, and adaptable for various fittings and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fittings are installed in bathing installations without integrated lighting, then the installation is simpler and cheaper, but aesthetic appeal and user experience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the existing fitting structure by integrating light source receptacles into the flange assembly. The light source receptacles are positioned within the flange structure, allowing the fitting to serve dual purposes: its original function (air jet, water jet, or valve control) and the additional lighting function, thereby merging two functions into a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The flange assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the fitting, enables mounting through the wall opening, houses the light source receptacles for illumination, and facilitates secure attachment of the fitting to the bathing installation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate lighting fixtures while enhancing aesthetic appeal
2Ease of manufacture
If light sources are integrated into the fitting, then aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fitting assembly into distinct functional segments: the flange structure for mounting, the fitting component for its specific function (air jet, water jet, or valve), and the light source receptacles for illumination. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using appropriate processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling integrated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The light source receptacles are nested within the flange structure, with the receptacles positioned inside the flange assembly and the light sources contained within the receptacles. This nested arrangement allows the lighting components to be integrated into the existing fitting structure without requiring separate external lighting fixtures, thereby simplifying manufacturing while enhancing aesthetic appeal
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned to illuminate from the opposite side of the wall, then aesthetic effect is improved, but light transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure incorporates translucent portions at specific locations to enable light transmission. Rather than making the entire flange translucent, the patent strategically positions translucent areas where light needs to pass through to reach the opposite side of the wall, while maintaining opaque areas for structural integrity and mounting functionality. This localized approach to translucency optimizes light transmission without excessive structural complexity
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 enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of bathing installations by providing uniform and adjustable lighting for fittings, improving user experience and visibility of valve positions.
Implementation Method 1
A lighted fixture assembly featuring a translucent flange structure with threaded nut and light source receptacles, allowing for secure mounting and efficient transmission of light through the fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for through hole mounting to a panel of a bathing installation includes in one exemplary embodiment a flange structure fabricated of a transparent or translucent material, the flange structure including a hollow body portion adapted to extend through a mount hole in the panel and having an outer peripheral portion, and a transverse flange portion having an outer size larger than the hole opening, so that a peripheral flange portion overlaps the panel surrounding the hole when the flange structure is installed in the mount hole. A light source attachment portion is attached to the body portion of the flange structure and configured so that with the flange structure mounted to the panel, light emitted from one or more light sources mounted in the light source attachment portion is transmitted through the body portion and into the transverse flange structure to illuminate at least a portion of the transverse flange portion.