Backlight Optic With TIR Structure for Light Trespass Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor lighting applications often suffer from light spillage, also known as light trespass, where light is directed towards unintended areas such as poles or property lines, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical device with a total internal reflector (TIR) and diffusing features to redirect light into a targeted distribution pattern, eliminating light spillage by ensuring all light is directed into the intended area while avoiding uneven distribution or 'hot spots'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional light fixtures are used without optical control, then light emission is simple and device complexity is low, but light spillage occurs and light distribution control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device segments the light distribution control into multiple functional zones using distinct optical features. The first optical feature controls light in a first angular range, the second optical feature controls light in a second angular range, and the third optical feature controls light in a third angular range. This segmentation allows precise control of light distribution to eliminate spillage while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular optical design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the optical device have different optical properties tailored to specific directional requirements. The first optical feature has properties optimized for redirecting light at certain angles, while the second and third optical features have different properties for other angular ranges. This local differentiation of optical quality enables precise control over light spillage in specific directions without requiring the entire device to be overly complex.
2Productivity
If light is directed into target volume, then light distribution efficiency is improved, but light trespass to avoided volume may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device dynamically controls light distribution across different angular ranges using three distinct optical features that operate simultaneously. Each feature actively redirects light into specific angular ranges, creating a dynamic light distribution pattern that maximizes illumination of the target volume while minimizing light trespass to avoided volume. This dynamic control achieves high productivity without harmful light spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls light distribution by introducing angular dimensionality through three distinct optical features that manage different angular ranges. Rather than simply directing light forward, the device manipulates light in the angular dimension, redirecting light at various angles to ensure it reaches the target volume while preventing trespass. This dimensional approach to light control simultaneously improves efficiency and eliminates harmful effects.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple optical features are used to control light distribution, then light trespass is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device merges multiple optical control functions into a single integrated structure. The first, second, and third optical features are combined within one optical device, allowing them to work together to eliminate light trespass. This merging approach achieves the benefit of complex light control while avoiding the drawback of multiple separate devices, thus managing overall device complexity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device performs multiple functions simultaneously through its three optical features: controlling light in the first angular range, controlling light in the second angular range, and controlling light in the third angular range. This multi-functionality allows a single device to eliminate light trespass across all directions without requiring multiple separate components, thereby achieving comprehensive light control while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
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 optical device effectively channels all light into the target volume, eliminating light trespass and achieving even light distribution without 'dead zones' or 'hot spots', thereby enhancing the control and efficiency of light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The optic portion of the optic device can further include a total internal reflector (TIR) having a top portion and a bottom portion, where the top portion of the TIR is disposed within the cavity of the optic body and includes a back surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device (340) for a light fixture (100) includes an optic portion (550) that has an optic body (551) having a front end (548), a rear end (549), and a curved bottom surface disposed between the front end (548) and the rear end (549). The optic portion (550) also includes a cavity (541) disposed within the optic body (551), where the cavity (541) is open at a top side of the optic body, where the cavity (541) is configured to receive light emitted by a light source (427) of the light fixture (100). The optic portion (550) further includes a total internal reflector (TIR) (545) having a top portion (575) and a bottom portion (570), where the top portion (575) is disposed within the cavity (541) of the optic body and includes a back surface (546), where the bottom portion (570) extends beyond the curved bottom surface of the optic body (551), where the bottom portion (570) includes a first exterior TIR feature (574-1) and a second exterior TIR feature (574-2).


