Adjustable-Beam Luminaire Optics for Narrow Multi-Beam Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable luminaires suffer from limitations such as wider beam widths than desired, restriction to a square form factor, single adjustable beam output, and low efficiency, especially when using lightguides with reflective lenses.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple arrays of extraction features with varying periodicity and size, catadioptric optics, and z-axis beam spread control, allowing for independent adjustment of multiple beams and asymmetric profiles, combined with direct-lit or edge-lit configurations for enhanced efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lightguide with reflective lenses is used, then the luminaire can provide directional lighting, but the beam width becomes wider than desired and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single lightguide into multiple separate lightguides, each with its own focusing element. This segmentation allows independent control of each beam's width and direction while maintaining high efficiency through optimized optical paths in each individual guide.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lightguide is paired with a focusing element having specific optical properties tailored to that local region. The focusing elements can have different focal lengths, curvatures, and materials optimized for their specific positions and functions, allowing precise control of beam width and shape without compromising overall efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If a square form factor is used for the luminaire, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different applications is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into multiple independent lightguide modules that can be arranged in various configurations. Each module can be manufactured using standardized square processes, but the modular arrangement allows the overall luminaire to be configured in different shapes and sizes to suit various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable components including movable focusing elements and controllable light extraction features that allow the luminaire to dynamically change its optical characteristics. This enables a single manufactured unit to adapt to different application requirements without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
3Device complexity
If a single beam output is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to provide multiple independent beams is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple separate lightguides, each capable of producing an independent beam. Each lightguide can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing the system to provide multiple simultaneous beams with different directions and characteristics while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lightguide-module unit is designed as a universal building block that can function independently or be combined with others. The same basic unit can be configured to provide different beam numbers, directions, and patterns by simply changing the arrangement and configuration of the modular units rather than redesigning the entire system.
4Illumination intensity
If extraction features are positioned to maximize light output, then illumination intensity increases, but beam directionality and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions extraction features at specific locations along each lightguide where they can maximize local light output while still allowing the paired focusing element to control the beam direction. Each extraction feature's position is locally optimized for its specific lightguide and focusing element combination, balancing intensity and directionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable extraction features that can be repositioned along the lightguides to optimize performance for different applications. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to maximize light output for one application and then reconfigure to provide precise beam directionality for another application without compromising either capability.
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 enables adjustable luminaires with narrow and asymmetric beam outputs, high efficiency, and a compact form factor, capable of producing multiple independent beams and reducing glare, suitable for various applications including moving platforms.
Implementation Method 1
Light from the light source is guided in the lightguide
Implementation Method 2
The extraction features shown in FIG. 1 are reflective and are preferably shaped as prisms to deflect guided light toward the focusing elements
Implementation Method 3
These features reflect or scatter light so that it is no longer trapped in guided modes of the lightguide
Implementation Method 4
The refractive lens array 24 is composed of individual refractive lenses 25 all in a single plane. The lenses 25 substantially collimate the light before it exits the luminaire into the environment
Implementation Method 5
By adjusting the relative location of the extraction features and the focusing elements, the direction of the beam can be steered and the angular width of the output beam can be adjusted
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire for providing configurable static lighting or dynamically-adjustable lighting. The luminaire uses an array of focusing elements that act on light provided via a corresponding array of sources or via an edge-lit lightguide. Designs are provided for adjusting the number of distinct beams produced by the luminaire, as well as the angular width, angular profile, and pointing angle of the beams. Designs are also provided for systems utilizing the adjustable luminaires in various applications.