Transparent Antenna Element in Lighting Device Optical Chamber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices with wireless control functionality face challenges in achieving optimal RF signal transmission and optical performance, as antenna elements are either attenuated by metal casings or interfere with the optical output when placed within the optical chamber.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a transparent antenna element positioned within the light exit chamber, separate from optical processing elements, using a transparent conductive material that is self-supporting, allowing for improved signal transmission and reduced optical interference by evenly distributing any impact across the light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna element is housed within a dedicated metal enclosure in the main body of the device, then the device structure is protected and integrated, but the wireless RF signal is partially blocked by the metal casing, limiting sensitivity and transmission range
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is extracted from the metal enclosure and repositioned within the optical chamber, separating it from the metal casing that causes signal attenuation. This allows the antenna to operate in a location free from RF blocking while maintaining device structural integrity through alternative mounting approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conductive support structure or mounting mechanism is introduced as an intermediary to hold the antenna element within the optical chamber without requiring direct contact with metal surfaces. This mediator enables the antenna to be positioned optimally for RF performance while avoiding signal blocking.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the antenna element is positioned within the optical chamber to improve RF signal transmission, then less attenuated signal communication is achieved, but the optical performance of the device is impaired with interference in color mixing and noticeable shadow casting
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is designed with spatially varying properties - it is positioned and oriented within the optical chamber such that its impact on light distribution is localized and minimized in critical viewing zones. The antenna's physical characteristics (size, shape, material) are optimized to reduce optical interference in specific regions while maintaining RF functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element is positioned in a three-dimensional space within the optical chamber at a location and orientation where it does not intersect with the primary light paths. By utilizing the Z-dimension (depth) and angular orientation, the antenna is placed in a region where its presence minimally affects the two-dimensional light distribution pattern observed by users.
3Illumination intensity
If a transparent antenna element is used to reduce optical interference, then light transmission is improved, but the antenna orientation is limited by the orientation of the optical element, preventing optimal antenna directivity
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is oriented in a dimension or direction that is independent of the optical element's orientation. By utilizing angular and spatial degrees of freedom within the optical chamber, the antenna can be positioned at orientations optimized for RF directivity while the transparent material ensures minimal optical interference regardless of the specific orientation chosen.
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 enhances wireless communication range and maintains optical performance by minimizing signal attenuation and interference, ensuring uniform light distribution and accurate color mixing.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna element is positioned within the optical (light output) portion of the lighting device, allowing less attenuated signal communication to and from the antenna
Implementation Method 2
said transparent antenna element being transparent for the light emitted by the plurality of light sources
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a lighting device, comprising a light exit chamber (14), delimited by a light exit body (16), a plurality of light sources (20), positioned within the light exit chamber (14), and arranged to emit light in the direction of the light exit body (16), an optical processing element, adapted to process the light emitted from the plurality of light sources (20), and a transparent antenna element (22), extending into the light exit chamber (14) and positioned relative to the plurality of light sources (20) such that each light source is arranged to transmit light toward the antenna element, wherein said transparent antenna element (22) is separate from the optical processing elements, wherein the transparent antenna element (22) being transparent for the light emitted by the plurality of light sources (20), and the antenna element (22) comprises: a transparent conductive material that is self-supporting.