Adjustable Light Diffuser With Cavities Between Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light diffusers in luminaires are complex, costly, and difficult to integrate into compact designs due to their thick and hardware-intensive structures, which limits their adaptability and cosmetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A light diffuser comprising a flexible translucent material sandwiched between two rigid translucent plates, with at least one plate having cavities or excrescences, allowing for adjustable light diffusion properties by varying the distance between the plates, and optionally incorporating a motive element for motorized adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static and uniform light diffusers are used, then light diffusion function is provided, but adaptability and ease of adjustment are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light diffuser adjustable through relative movement between the first plate and second plate. The distance between these plates can be varied to change light diffusion properties, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different lighting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the distance between the first plate and second plate, which directly alters the light diffusion characteristics. This simple parameter adjustment enables adaptability without requiring complex hardware reconfiguration.
2Length of moving object
If existing light diffuser structures are used, then light diffusion is achieved, but thickness increases making integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin plate structures (first plate and second plate) that can be made from materials like glass or transparent plastic. These thin plates replace traditional thick diffuser structures, reducing overall thickness while maintaining light diffusion functionality through the controlled spacing and optical properties of the plates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable light diffusion properties are implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light diffuser into distinct components: a first plate, a second plate, and optionally a motive element. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific function and simplifies manufacturing and assembly, as each part can be produced independently and then assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The first plate and second plate serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable light diffusion through their spacing, and act as optical elements themselves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
4Shape
If existing light diffuser structures are used, then light diffusion is provided, but cosmetic appearance and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The use of thin plate structures enables the light diffuser to have a compact form factor that does not compromise cosmetic appearance. The plates can be made from aesthetically pleasing materials like glass or transparent plastic, and their thin profile allows integration into space-constrained applications while maintaining visual appeal.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective, and thin light diffuser that can be easily integrated into compact luminaires, offering adjustable light diffusion properties without compromising the device's compactness or cosmetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
Light diffusers are widely used in lighting devices, for example in luminaires, and allow spreading out or scattering light in a desired manner, to provide a diffused light
Implementation Method 2
The light diffusion is due to the refraction of light at the interfaces between the flexible material and the cavities, the refractive index of the flexible material and the refractive index of the material filling the cavities being different
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a light diffuser (1) comprising a light diffusing element (10), wherein the light diffusing element (10) comprises a flexible translucent material, the light diffuser (1) comprising a first plate (11) and a second plate (13), said first (11) and second (13) plates being rigid and translucent, the light diffusing element (10) being arranged between said first (11) and second (13) plates in such a way that one first face of the light diffusing element (10) is coupled with the first plate (11), and one second face of the light diffusing element (10) is coupled with the second plate (13), at least one of said first or second face comprising a plurality of cavities or excrescences. Such a light diffuser is easily adaptable and can for example be mounted in a luminaire.