Adjustable LED Fixture for Customizable Composite Beam Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting fixtures using LEDs lack flexibility and customization options, as they are designed to produce only a single beam type, requiring modification or replacement of optics for different applications, and offer limited adjustability to accommodate changes in target areas or lighting needs.

Innovation Solution

The development of adjustable lighting fixtures with modular components, including solid state light sources, positioning rings, and optical elements, allowing for the creation of customizable composite beams from a small number of fixture components, enabling on-site adjustments and changes to achieve desired beam patterns and lighting effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fixed optics are used in LED fixtures to produce a specific beam distribution type, then the beam pattern is well-defined and standardized, but the fixture lacks flexibility and requires modification or replacement of dozens of optics to change beam types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam distribution controlVSAvoidbeam type flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture divides the light source array into multiple independently controllable groups, where each group can be individually adjusted for intensity and timing. This segmentation allows the same physical fixture to produce different beam distribution patterns by controlling different subsets of LEDs, eliminating the need to physically replace optics for different beam types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control of LED intensity through pulse width modulation (PWM) and dimming circuits, allowing the beam pattern to be changed in real-time without physical modification. The fixture can dynamically adjust which LEDs are active and at what intensity levels, enabling transition between various beam distribution types during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom beam patterns are created using multiple individual LEDs with separate optics, then beam customization is possible, but the device complexity and number of components increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam pattern customizationVSAvoidnumber of optical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple LEDs are mounted in close proximity within a single fixture housing, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate fixtures into one integrated unit. The shared power supply, control circuitry, and housing reduce overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to create customized beam patterns through electronic control of individual LED groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture is designed as a universal platform that can produce multiple beam distribution types (spot, flood, asymmetric, customized patterns) using the same physical components. By programming different intensity combinations and timing sequences for the LED groups, a single fixture performs the function of what would otherwise require multiple specialized fixtures with different optics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional lighting fixtures are designed for a single beam type, then the optics are optimized for that specific pattern, but any change in target area or lighting needs requires fixture replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical performance consistencyVSAvoidfixture adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the LED array rather than the physical optics. By adjusting intensity ratios, timing sequences, and activation patterns of different LED groups, the fixture produces different beam distribution patterns while maintaining consistent optical quality. This parameter-based approach allows adaptation to different target areas and lighting needs without replacing the fixture hardware.

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

This solution provides greater control over light distribution and intensity, enabling the production of both standard and customized beam types, facilitating easy and cost-effective adaptation to various lighting requirements without the need for extensive reconfiguration or replacement of optics.

Implementation Method 1

the light projected from a fixture... With LEDs, for example, a fixture may comprise a plurality of LED light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

Various light source types (e.g., HID, LED) can produce a given beam type via use of optical elements (e.g., reflective or refractive lenses)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

Various light source types (e.g., HID, LED) can produce a given beam type via use of optical elements (e.g., reflective or refractive lenses)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2553327B1Apparatus, method, and system for highly controlled light distribution using multiple light sources
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 MUSCO CORP
  • EP2553327B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2553327B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2553327B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed herein are apparatus, method, and system for producing a customizable composite beam from a plurality of solid state light sources. Each light source is associated with individually adjustable fixture components which allow for a variety of lighting needs to be addressed. The composite beam is a collective of the beam projected from each adjustable component/light source combination; each individual beam being of customized shape or standard shape.