Uniform Illumination via Shading Rate Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial lighting systems for plants often result in uneven light intensities across different areas, failing to provide uniform illumination due to the irregular shapes of plants or pots, and require multiple light sources that are costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An illuminating device comprising a light source and a light-pattern generating member with shading areas of varying shading rates, which adjusts the light intensity decay rates to maintain consistent light intensity near and far from the source, forming a uniform light distribution that conforms to the shape of the plant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination uniformity deteriorates due to different light intensities at different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the light-pattern generating member into multiple shading areas with different shading rates. Each shading area has a specific local property (shading rate) that differs from others, allowing different parts of the illumination area to receive appropriately adjusted light intensities. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining a single light source while achieving uniform illumination through localized modifications to the light distribution pattern.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-pattern generating member as an intermediary component between the single light source and the plant. This intermediary device modifies the light distribution pattern by incorporating multiple shading areas with different shading rates, effectively achieving the uniform illumination that would otherwise require multiple light sources. This resolves the contradiction by using a single light source with an intermediary light-modifying component rather than multiple light sources.
3Illumination intensity
If uniform light intensity is achieved through multiple light sources, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the space requirement and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple light sources into a single light source by using a light-pattern generating member with multiple shading areas. Instead of requiring multiple separate light sources positioned at different locations, the invention combines their light-distribution functions into one integrated device that attaches to a single pot, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining illumination uniformity.
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 device achieves uniform illumination across the plant, promoting healthy growth by maintaining high light intensity at the periphery and center, effectively addressing the issue of uneven light distribution and reducing the need for multiple light sources.
Implementation Method 1
The light-pattern generating member is disposed on a side of the light source to receive the incident light. The incident light passes through the light-pattern generating member so as to generate a transmission light. The light-pattern generating member includes a plurality of shading areas. Shading rates of the shading areas are different.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating device includes a light source and a light-pattern generating member. The light source emits an incident light. The light-pattern generating member is disposed on a side of the light source to receive the incident light. The incident light passes through the light-pattern generating member so as to generate a transmission light. The transmission light generates a light pattern. A light intensity distribution is formed by the light pattern, and a light intensity near the light source is equal to a light intensity far from the light source.