Asymmetric Optic Design for Uniform Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indirect lighting units suffer from non-uniform illumination and excessive spill light due to wide vertical beam angles and high setback-to-throw ratios, resulting in a 'V' pattern or scalloping effect on surfaces, which is difficult to address with multiple lighting units or varying intensities, especially in impractical or impossible scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit with an optic system featuring a convex lens portion to focus light at the distal portion and a concave lens portion at the proximal portion of the surface, combined with a diffuser and baffle, to create a uniform illumination distribution along the surface, reducing spill light and achieving narrower beam angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide vertical beam angle is used in asymmetric reflector fixtures, then the beam can cover a larger area, but the setback-to-throw ratio increases and illuminance uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optic is segmented into multiple zones with different optical powers: a first zone with positive optical power to converge light rays and a second zone with negative optical power to diverge light rays. This segmentation allows different portions of the beam to be controlled independently, achieving both wide coverage and uniform illuminance distribution on the target surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optic are assigned different optical properties. The first zone (convex lens portion) has converging properties to focus light on distal portions, while the second zone (concave lens portion) has diverging properties to spread light on proximal portions. This local differentiation of optical quality enables precise control over the beam pattern to achieve uniform illuminance across the entire illuminated area.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple lighting units of different intensities are used to eliminate the 'V' pattern, then illuminance uniformity improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (convergence, divergence, beam shaping, and illuminance uniformity control) into a single integrated optic element. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate lighting units with different intensities, achieving uniform illuminance while reducing system complexity to just one lighting unit with a sophisticated optic.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optic performs multiple functions simultaneously: it converges light in some regions, diverges light in others, shapes the beam pattern, and ensures uniform illuminance distribution across the target surface. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized lighting units, simplifying the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric reflector fixtures are positioned at close setback, then installation flexibility improves, but the 'V' pattern or scalloping effect becomes more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The optic employs asymmetric zone configuration with different optical powers in different regions. The first zone with positive optical power and the second zone with negative optical power are arranged asymmetrically to compensate for the close setback positioning, eliminating the 'V' pattern while maintaining installation flexibility. The asymmetric design allows the fixture to perform optimally at close distances to the target surface.
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 uniform illumination across surfaces from a close setback, minimizing spill light and eliminating the 'V' pattern, while reducing the need for multiple lighting units and varying intensities, thus enhancing illumination quality and reducing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the optic has an input surface facing the light source, the input surface having a convex lens portion configured to direct a portion of the emitted light beam at the distal portion of the surface
Implementation Method 2
a concave lens portion configured to direct a portion of the emitted light beam at the proximal portion of the surface
Implementation Method 3
the lighting unit includes a diffuser positioned between the optic and the surface, and the diffuser is placed over the optic and is at least partially contoured around the optic
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A lighting unit (10) configured to illuminate a surface (32) having a proximal portion (34) and a distal portion (36) in relation to the lighting unit. The lighting unit includes a light source (12) configured to emit a light beam (28), and an optic (40) positioned between the light source and the surface to modify the emitted light beam to have a largely uniform vertical illumination distribution along the surface. The input surface (39) of the optic faces the light source and has a convex lens portion (41) that directs a portion of the emitted light beam at the distal portion of the surface, and a concave lens portion (43) that directs a portion of the emitted light beam at the proximal portion of the surface.