Asymmetric Light Guide Panel for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior lighting solutions, particularly in work environments with video terminals, face challenges in achieving controlled and uniform light distribution without unwanted reflections, requiring complex optical systems that increase size and constructional complexity, limiting design flexibility and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A lamp design featuring a supporting structure with a rectilinear LED light source and a monolithic light guide panel, including an optical film with a pattern to direct light asymmetrically, ensuring optimal light distribution and visual comfort while being easy to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If complex optical systems are used to achieve uniform lighting effects and extensive illuminating surfaces, then lighting uniformity and illuminating surface area are improved, but device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light distribution control function from complex optical systems and integrates it directly into the light guide panel structure itself. The light guide panel with its specific geometric shape and refractive index properties inherently directs light asymmetrically without requiring additional optical components, thereby achieving uniform lighting while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light distribution function with the light guide panel structure by designing it with specific geometric characteristics (asymmetric shape, specific refractive index). This integration eliminates the need for separate optical systems while achieving the desired lighting uniformity and asymmetric light distribution
2Illumination intensity
If complex optical systems are used to achieve uniform lighting effects, then lighting uniformity is improved, but lamp dimensions and constructional complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for bulky external optical systems by embedding the light distribution functionality within the light guide panel itself. The panel's geometric design and material properties (refractive index between 1.4 and 1.7) enable it to control light distribution asymmetrically within a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex optical systems to manipulate light after emission, the patent inverts the approach by designing the light guide panel itself to inherently direct light asymmetrically through its geometric shape and refractive properties, achieving the desired light distribution in a more compact configuration
3Illumination intensity
If asymmetric light distribution is achieved through conventional means, then light distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the light guide panel with specific regional characteristics - different geometric shapes in different zones, and varying refractive index properties. This enables asymmetric light distribution where light is directed preferentially in specific directions (e.g., towards a video terminal) while maintaining uniform overall illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies asymmetry by designing the light guide panel with an asymmetric geometric shape and asymmetric light extraction properties. This asymmetric design inherently directs light distribution asymmetrically without requiring additional asymmetric optical components, achieving controlled light distribution while simplifying the overall device
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 lamp provides excellent light distribution and elevated visual comfort with reduced complexity, allowing for both functional and aesthetic innovation in lighting designs, particularly in work environments with video terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide panel (4) positioned in front of the light source (3) for receiving the light emitted by the light source (3)
Implementation Method 2
an optical film (11) coupled to the plate (10) and configured so as to extract from the light guide panel (4) through a main emission surface (17) the light emitted by the light source (3) and entered in the plate (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A lamp (1) for lighting with an asymmetric light distribution comprises a casing (5) extending substantially along an axis (A), at least one light source (3) housed in the casing (5), and a substantially flat light guide panel (4) having a lateral edge (16), parallel to the axis (A) and facing the light source (3), for receiving the light emitted by the light source (3); the light guide panel (4) comprises a plate (10) made of substantially transparent material and an optical film (11) coupled to the plate (10); the optical film (11) is provided with an optical pattern (18) configured so as to extract the light, emitted by the light source (3), entering the plate (10) through the lateral edge (16), from the light guide panel (4) through a first face (13) of the plate (10), defining an emission surface (17) of the lamp (1); and it is configured so as to distribute the light with an asymmetric distribution in relation to the emission surface (17).