Adjustable Lens and Reflector Arrays for Targeted Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems, such as troffer-based solutions, lack control over illumination directionality and intensity, leading to wasted light and inefficient use, as they distribute light uniformly across spaces without the ability to tailor lighting characteristics to specific regions or user needs.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement comprising a lens array and a reflector array with adjustable positions, allowing for precise control over the directionality of illumination by varying the angle of deviation between incoming and outgoing light, enabling targeted illumination of specific areas within a space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If troffer-based lighting systems distribute light uniformly across the ceiling, then installation is simplified, but light is wasted in areas where illumination is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ceiling into multiple zones, each equipped with its own ground-based light source. This segmentation allows independent control of illumination in different areas, directing light only where needed rather than uniformly across the entire ceiling, thereby reducing light wastage while maintaining installation simplicity through modular deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing each workstation or desk to have individually adjustable light sources with tailored illumination characteristics (brightness, colour, directionality). This enables light to be precisely directed to specific locations requiring illumination while leaving other areas unaffected, eliminating the energy waste inherent in uniform distribution systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If ground-based light sources are used to provide localized illumination, then flexibility in controlling local light levels is improved, but the ceiling requires special treatment (white paint or reflector panels)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reflective function from the ceiling structure itself and relocates it to dedicated reflector panels positioned at each workstation. This allows the ceiling to remain in its original state without requiring white paint or special treatments, while still achieving the desired light redirection and localization effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflector panels as intermediary elements between the ground-based light sources and the ceiling area. These panels serve as mediators that redirect light from the light sources to illuminate workspaces, eliminating the need to modify the ceiling itself while maintaining effective localized illumination control
3Measurement precision
If reflector panels are used to redirect light to specific locations, then illumination directionality is improved, but the light sources must be fixed at precise locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the reflector panels adjustable rather than fixed. Each reflector panel can be repositioned and reoriented to change the direction of reflected light, allowing the system to adapt to different workspace configurations and user needs without requiring precise fixed positioning of light sources during installation
4Illumination intensity
If troffer-based systems are deployed throughout the ceiling, then uniform illumination is achieved, but installation cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each ground-based light source to be independently controlled and adjusted by the end user. Individuals can modify their own lighting conditions (brightness, direction, timing) without requiring professional intervention for commissioning or reconfiguration, significantly reducing maintenance complexity and operational overhead
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 allows for flexible and efficient illumination control, reducing light wastage by directing light precisely to needed areas, enhancing user comfort and task-specific lighting conditions, while simplifying installation and maintenance by eliminating the need for extensive cabling and complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
each lens is arranged to direct light originating from a light source
Implementation Method 2
each reflector element is arranged to reflect received light back onto the same lens from which it was received
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical arrangement for illuminating a region within a space comprises a reflector array and lens array having adjustable relative displacement. Each lens of the lens array is arranged to receive light from a first location within the space and to direct it onto one of the reflectors of the reflector array. Each lens is further configured to receive light reflected back from the reflector array and redirect it toward a second location within the space. By adjusting the relative displacement between the two arrays, the position of the second location can be configured.