Under-Counter Lighting Securement via Transmissive Support Posts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing under-counter lighting systems lack effective securement methods for countertops, leading to potential shifting during earthquakes or significant forces, and drilling or inserting fasteners can disrupt the diffuse light emission of light-guide panels (LGPs), creating non-uniform illumination.
Innovation Solution
A system where a base layer with support posts is secured to a cabinet, and a light-guide panel (LGP) layer with openings for the posts is placed underneath the countertop, allowing the LGP to backlight the countertop while providing securement and various illumination options, with support posts made of light-transmissive materials and reflective coatings to maintain light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If drilling or inserting fasteners through the LGP to secure the countertop, then the countertop can be firmly secured, but the diffuse light emission is disrupted and non-uniform illumination is created
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into discrete support posts rather than a continuous fastening system. The posts are positioned at specific locations where they provide structural support while minimizing interference with the overall light diffusion pattern of the LGP.
Solution Approach 2:
The support posts act as intermediaries between the cabinet base and the countertop, providing mechanical support without requiring direct penetration of the LGP. The posts transmit loads while the LGP remains intact to maintain diffuse light emission.
2Illumination intensity
If placing the countertop to float over the LGP without securement, then the LGP remains intact and diffuse light emission is maintained, but the countertop may shift after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into discrete support posts rather than a continuous attachment system. This segmentation allows the countertop to be supported at multiple points while maintaining the integrity of the LGP and its diffuse light emission properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The support posts are designed to be received through openings in the LGP, allowing the LGP structure itself to accommodate the support mechanism without external modification. The system uses its own structural elements to achieve both support and light diffusion functions.
3Illumination intensity
If using support posts made of light-transmissive material with reflective coating, then light transmission through LGPs is maintained and enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support posts serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, transmit light from the LGP, and the reflective coating enhances light transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the increased complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The support posts utilize composite construction with light-transmissive material and reflective coating combined, creating an element that optimizes both structural and optical performance. This composite approach allows the posts to function effectively in both mechanical support and light transmission roles.
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 system ensures the countertop is fully supported and secured, providing uniform backlighting and ambient, task, or accent lighting while preventing light leakage and maintaining the diffuse light emission of the LGPs.
Implementation Method 1
They may also have a reflective coating on their bottoms, such that the support posts transmit light through the LGPs.
Data Source
AI summary
An under-counter lighting system places a light-guide panel (LGP) or a set of LGPs under a countertop, or another such work surface, in order to backlight it. Specifically, a base layer is secured to a support, such as a cabinet. The base layer includes a support layer and a number of support posts attached to the support layer. An LGP layer includes the LGP or LGPs. Each of the LGPs has openings that correspond to positions of the support posts, such that the LGPs receive the support posts through their thicknesses. A countertop is secured to the tops of the support posts and may have a depending lip or other such feature sufficient to hide the base layer and the LGP layer. The resulting light, usually at least partially transmitted through the countertop itself, can serve as ambient light, task light, or accent light, depending on the installation.