Translucent Hardscape Lighting Element with Internal Light Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardscape lighting solutions require significant modification of discrete masonry elements and are not integral to the structure, making them cumbersome and difficult to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A lighting element with a body structure that incorporates a clear or translucent material for light dispersion, featuring a light fixture positioned within an internal channel, allowing for seamless integration between hardscape elements and using a spacer to secure the lighting element in place, with optional covers for color and texture modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stand-alone lamps are mounted adjacent to hardscaping, then lighting function is provided, but significant modification of discrete masonry elements and electrical box installation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting element merges the light source, housing, and hardscape integration features into a single unified component. The body structure incorporates both the lighting function and the mechanical interface for hardscape integration, eliminating the need for separate lamps and electrical boxes, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining lighting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination, acts as a structural component within the hardscape, and serves as a mounting point for adjacent elements. The body structure with its dispersion surface and internal channel design enables it to function both as a light source and as an integral part of the hardscape assembly, reducing the need for additional separate components
2Ease of manufacture
If lighting elements are made integral to hardscape, then minimum modification of hardscaping is required, but precise positioning and alignment within hardscape elements must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The body structure incorporates specific geometric features at localized positions: the I-beam cross-section with flanges at opposite ends provides targeted engagement points for hardscape elements. These localized structural features enable precise positioning without requiring high precision throughout the entire manufacturing process, as only specific areas need to match the hardscape element dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The body structure acts as an intermediary component between the hardscape elements and the light source. Its I-beam configuration with flanges provides a mediating interface that translates the rough positioning of hardscape blocks into precise alignment of the lighting element, accommodating manufacturing tolerances while achieving the required positioning accuracy
3Illumination intensity
If light disperses through translucent material, then uniform lighting effect is achieved, but light intensity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The body structure uses a translucent material with specific local properties: the material is translucent rather than transparent, providing diffuse light transmission that creates uniform illumination while maintaining adequate brightness. The I-beam structure with specific flange widths also creates localized light distribution patterns that enhance uniformity without excessive energy loss
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 visually appealing, easy-to-install, and maintainable lighting system that is integral to the hardscape, minimizing structural modifications and ensuring uniform lighting effects while being adaptable to various hardscape configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a body structure defining a dispersion surface from which the light is dispersed to the environment outside the lighting element and which comprises a material through which light can pass
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting element for an illuminated hardscape. The lighting element includes a body structure defining a dispersion surface. A light fixture is positioned within the body structure and is configured to provide a light which is dispersed through the body structure to the dispersion surface. The body structure is formed from a clear or translucent material. An illuminated hardscaping is also provided.