Angular Linear Optic Array for Uniform LED Grow Light Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED grow lights suffer from hot spots and non-uniform light distribution, requiring complex and costly optics that limit LED type selection and density, and necessitate high installation costs and frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A light module using a linear optic array with angularly offset linear optics, allowing for close spacing and versatile LED arrangement, achieving symmetrical light distribution and high uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional non-linear optics are used to distribute LED light, then a single type of LED can be used under each optic, but the LED density is low and different wavelength LEDs cannot be closely spaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional single large non-linear optic into multiple linear optics arranged in an array. Each linear optic handles a specific line of LEDs, enabling independent optimization of each optic for different LED types and wavelengths. This segmentation allows high-density LED arrangements while maintaining simple, standardized optic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using single large non-linear optics to using multiple linear optics arranged in a two-dimensional array configuration. This dimensional change enables close spacing of different wavelength LEDs by distributing them across multiple linear optics rather than attempting to fit them under a single optic, thereby achieving high LED density without increasing individual optic complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If LED arrays are placed many metres above the plant canopy in a grid formation, then hot spots are avoided, but the irradiance uniformity is low and light loss outside the targeted growing space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using linear optics that create batwing light distribution patterns, concentrating light where needed while reducing intensity at hot spot locations. Each linear optic is designed with specific refractive surfaces to locally modify the light distribution pattern, achieving uniform irradiance across the plant canopy without requiring large installation heights.
3Reliability
If the row method is used to place LED arrays, then irradiance uniformity is improved, but upfront fixture and installation costs are large and edge drop off occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting system into modular light modules, each containing multiple linear optics arranged in a compact configuration. This segmentation allows standardized, pre-assembled units to be installed in various patterns (grid, row, or hybrid), reducing installation complexity and costs while maintaining the irradiance uniformity benefits of row configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs of different wavelengths are provided under one non-linear optic, then wavelength versatility is achieved, but some wavelengths have different distributions based on LED positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different LED types and wavelengths to different linear optics within the array, with each linear optic optimized for specific LED characteristics. This segmentation ensures that each optic produces consistent, predictable light distribution for its assigned LEDs, while the overall array achieves wavelength versatility through the combined output of multiple specialized optics.
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 high LED density, uniform light distribution, and improved spectral uniformity, reducing installation costs and eliminating hot spots while optimizing light transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
LED grow lights use refractive optical elements, optics, to distribute light from LEDs in order to achieve a desired batwing optical distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
A light module 1 for use in a LED grow light 201 comprising a linear optic array 5 with a plurality of linear optics 3. The plurality of linear optics 3 comprises at least one first linear optic 3a and at least one second linear optic 3b. Each linear optic 3 has a wall 13 which defines at least in part a LED housing void 19 located within which is a plurality of LEDs 9. The wall 13 has a light shaping portion 18 that is located adjacent to the plurality of LEDs 9. The at least one first linear optic 3a has a first longitudinal axis X-X and the at least one second linear optic 3b has a second longitudinal axis Y-Y, wherein the first longitudinal axis X-X and the second longitudinal axis Y-Y are offset from each other by an angular offset of α degrees.