Circular Light Guide and Conical Reflector for Smart-Home Halo Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices with multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) often produce uneven light output, resulting in aesthetically poor and potentially distracting lighting effects, especially when trying to provide ambient illumination or indicate device status.
Innovation Solution
A light distribution system utilizing a circular light guide and conical reflector to distribute light from multiple LEDs into a halo pattern, creating an even glow by reflecting light onto the exterior of a sensor device's case, which is then dispersed into the ambient environment, minimizing the perception of discrete light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are used to provide ambient illumination, then the light output intensity is improved, but the light distribution becomes uneven and aesthetically poor
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the multiple LEDs and the ambient environment. The light guide receives light from multiple LEDs arranged in a circular pattern and distributes it uniformly across its surface, transforming the discrete light sources into a continuous, even glow that eliminates the uneven distribution problem while maintaining high illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from point-source illumination (individual LEDs) to surface illumination (light guide output). By spreading the light across the two-dimensional surface of the light guide and using a conical reflector to distribute it in three-dimensional space, the system achieves uniform illumination across multiple dimensions, resolving the uneven light distribution issue.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple discrete light sources are used, then the overall light output is improved, but the perception of discrete sources creates visual distraction
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete LED light sources are merged into a single unified light output through the light guide. The light guide combines the light from multiple LEDs and presents it as one continuous, uniform glow on its surface, eliminating the perception of individual discrete sources and thereby reducing visual distraction while maintaining the cumulative light output.
3Shape
If light is reflected onto the exterior case, then the light distribution uniformity is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior case is given a dual function: it serves both as the structural housing of the device and as a reflective surface for light distribution. By making the case reflective, the invention eliminates the need for a separate reflector component, thereby maintaining light distribution uniformity while reducing overall device structural 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 system achieves an aesthetically pleasing, continuous light output that appears uniform and reduces visual distraction, while allowing for status indication through strategically designed thinned regions on the device's exterior.
Implementation Method 1
a conical reflector positioned to reflect light emitted from the circular light guide onto an exterior of a case of the sensor device, the conical reflector reflecting light such that light is reflected by the exterior of the case into an ambient environment of the sensor device
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for light distribution incorporated as part of a device are presented. A circular light guide may be used that receives light from a plurality of light emitters that can be arranged in a circular pattern. A conical reflector may be used and may be positioned to reflect light emitted from the circular light guide onto an exterior of a case of the device. The conical reflector may reflect light such that light is reflected by the exterior of the case in the shape of a halo into an ambient environment of the device.