Wall-Mounted Illumination Devices for Emergency Evacuation Guidance

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional illumination systems in buildings, especially in emergency and evacuation scenarios, face inefficiencies due to high power consumption, poor visibility in smoky conditions, and blinding effects from white light, and require a more effective and intuitive guidance solution.

Innovation Solution

An illumination system with strategically mounted devices emitting red, orange, or orange-red light, equipped with motion detectors and ambient light sensors, providing an uninterrupted illuminated path and intuitive color guidance using red and green lights, optimized for power efficiency and visibility in smoky conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional illumination systems use white light for emergency illumination, then visibility is provided, but blinding effects occur and visibility in smoky conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spectral parameter of the light source from white light to red/orange/orange-red light. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient illumination intensity for visibility while eliminating the blinding effects associated with bright white light in emergency conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If conventional illumination systems are mounted on ceilings, then illumination coverage is achieved, but power consumption increases and visibility in smoky conditions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the mounting position from the vertical dimension (ceiling) to the horizontal dimension (wall-mounted at lower height). This dimensional change allows the illumination devices to provide adequate coverage while consuming less power and performing better in smoky conditions, as the light sources are positioned below the smoke layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Illumination intensity

If conventional illumination systems use high power consumption, then illumination intensity is sufficient, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light source parameters to red/orange/orange-red LEDs, which provide sufficient illumination intensity for emergency conditions while consuming significantly less power than conventional white light sources, thereby resolving the contradiction between brightness and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances visibility and safety in emergency situations by reducing power consumption, preventing blinding effects, and providing intuitive guidance through color-coded illumination, ensuring effective evacuation routes even in smoky environments.

Implementation Method 1

The illumination device (1) comprises a light source (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The illumination device (1) is further equipped with a motion detector (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 3

an ambient light detector (5) which generates an ambient light level being an indication of an ambient light level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmbient light detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2364573B1Illumination system comprising a plurality of illumination devices
Publication Date: 2013.08.21
  • EP2364573B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2364573B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a
  • EP2364573B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an illumination device comprising a light source. The illumination device is arranged to be mounted to a wall at a mounting height with respect to a floor. The illumination device being arranged to, in use, illuminate a predetermined area of the floor, wherein - the mounting height is between 0,4 and 0,8 meter from the floor, and - the predetermined area of the floor has a substantial rectangular shape.