Transmissive Tile Illumination via Radial Fiber Optic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic lighting systems enhance the aesthetic quality of surfaces only minimally, as they primarily provide a border illumination, leaving the surface itself unlit, which can result in a dull appearance, especially in areas like pools and bathrooms where traditional lighting installation and maintenance are difficult.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated surface comprising transmissive tiles with a fiber optic cable system that radiates light through the tiles, creating a dramatic lighting effect, with features like grout and caulk to conceal the cables while maintaining light transmission, and a method for constructing and installing prefabricated illuminated surfaces on support members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fiber optic cables are placed around a surface to provide border illumination, then the aesthetic quality of the surface is enhanced, but the surface itself remains unilluminated resulting in a dull appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from border-only illumination (1D perimeter lighting) to surface illumination by routing fiber optic cables through the thickness of tiles (2D/3D integration). The cables are embedded within the tile structure and positioned to radiate light through the tile faces, transforming the lighting from a perimeter effect to a surface effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cables are nested within the tile structure itself. The tiles contain internal channels or cavities that house the fiber optic cables, allowing the lighting system to be integrated within the architectural element rather than being external. This nesting enables surface illumination while maintaining a clean, integrated appearance.
2Device complexity
If grout is disposed directly on the fiber optic cable to conceal it, then the cable is hidden, but the grout blocks light transmission from the cable to the tiles
Solution Approach 1:
A transmissive sleeve or transmissive caulk is introduced as an intermediary material between the fiber optic cable and the opaque grout. This intermediary allows light to pass through while providing a transition zone that enables grout application for cable concealment. The transmissive sleeve acts as a light-guiding medium that bridges the cable and the tile face.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmissive sleeve functions as a flexible optical conduit that can be disposed around or over the fiber optic cable. This thin-walled structure allows light transmission while providing mechanical protection and a interface for grout application, solving both the concealment and light transmission requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If fiber optic lighting systems are installed in hard to reach places like pools and bathrooms, then aesthetic enhancement is achieved, but installation and maintenance become very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be pre-assembled with tiles that have integrated fiber optic channels, reducing on-site installation complexity. The modular tile design allows for easier replacement and maintenance without requiring complex disassembly of the entire lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is divided into modular tile units, each containing its own fiber optic cable routing and illumination elements. This segmentation allows individual tiles to be replaced or maintained independently, improving accessibility and reducing maintenance complexity in difficult-to-reach locations.
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 enhanced illumination and aesthetic enhancement of tiled surfaces, making them visually striking at any time, suitable for wet applications, and allows for easy maintenance with accessible light sources and adjustable brightness and color control.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber optic cable is in optical communication with the light source to receive light from the light source. The fiber optic cable includes a longitudinal axis and a first segment disposed within the cable channel. The first segment is configured to radially radiate light along the longitudinal axis into the lateral sides of the adjacent transmissive tiles.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an illuminated surface mounted on a base surface. The illuminated surface includes a plurality of transmissive tiles configured to allow light to pass therethrough. Each of the transmissive tiles includes an exterior surface, an attaching surface and a plurality of lateral sides disposed between the exterior and attaching surfaces. The attaching surface is affixable to the base surface. The transmissive tiles are arranged in spaced relation to each other to define a cable channel. The cable channel is defined by opposing lateral sides of adjacent transmissive tiles. A fiber optic cable is in optical communication a light source and receives light therefrom. The fiber optic cable includes a longitudinal axis and a first segment disposed within the cable channel. The first segment is configured to radially radiate light along the longitudinal axis into the lateral sides of the adjacent transmissive tiles.