Twisted Light Pipe Holder for Dynamic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting assemblies that provide dynamic light effects require numerous light sources spaced along a length, leading to high costs and complexity, especially as the length or density of light sources increases, necessitating a solution for achieving a dynamic lighting effect using fewer light sources.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly comprising a twisted holder with spirally wrapped light pipes, where each light pipe is optically coupled to a single light source, allowing light to be transmitted through internal reflection, creating a dynamic effect by sequencing the light sources to simulate a moving light source along the length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If numerous light sources are spaced along a defined length to provide a smooth dynamic lighting effect, then the quality of illumination and visual effect is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is segmented into multiple light pipes that are spatially distributed along a defined length. Each light pipe acts as an independent light transmission channel, allowing the system to achieve extended illumination coverage without requiring a proportional increase in light source density. The light pipes are arranged in a spiral configuration around a central axis, creating multiple illumination zones that can be activated sequentially to produce dynamic lighting effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Light pipes serve as intermediary elements that transmit light from a limited number of light sources to multiple spatial locations. Each light pipe optically couples a light source to a specific zone along the defined length, enabling the system to project illumination to distant points without placing light sources at every location. This intermediary mechanism allows a single light source to effectively illuminate multiple positions along the spiral path.
2Length of stationary object
If the length of the dynamic lighting assembly and the density of light sources increase, then the coverage and visual effect are improved, but the costs attributable to parts and assembly become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipes are arranged in a spiral configuration around a central axis, transitioning from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional spiral structure. This dimensional change allows the light assembly to cover a longer effective length by utilizing the radial and angular dimensions. The spiral arrangement enables light pipes to be positioned at varying radial distances and angular positions, extending the illumination coverage along the spiral path without requiring additional light sources proportional to the length increase.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light pipe in the spiral arrangement serves multiple functions: it transmits light from its associated light source, defines a specific illumination zone, and contributes to the overall spiral geometric pattern. The modular light pipe design allows the same component structure to be replicated and positioned at different locations along the spiral, creating a scalable system where identical components fulfill multiple spatial roles throughout the extended assembly length.
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 enables a dynamic lighting effect over a variable distance using fewer light sources, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining a smooth and aesthetically pleasing illumination experience.
Implementation Method 1
Each light pipe is configured to transmit the light through the interior region for at least a length of the light pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly is provided that includes a holder and multiple light pipes. The holder extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The holder includes multiple ridges that spiral around the longitudinal axis. The holder includes multiple channels. Each channel is defined between two of the ridges. The light pipes each include a light transmissive interior region. Each of the light pipes is disposed in one of the channels of the holder. The light pipes each have an attachment end that is configured to receive light from a light source. Each light pipe is further configured to transmit the light through the interior region for at least a length of the light pipe.