Light Waveguide with Compound Curvature for Open Ceiling Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional large format light fixtures for open ceiling spaces are inefficient in providing ambient light due to their vertical design, leading to glare and shadowing issues, and are often costly when customized for specific applications.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture with a light transmissive waveguide featuring a three-dimensional compound curvature, providing a larger, more spread-out lumens output with low luminance and a modular design for flexible installation, which can be mass-produced in standard sizes and shapes to accommodate various architectural needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional large scale luminaires are used for open ceiling spaces, then the lighting coverage area is increased, but the lighting efficiency decreases and glare is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into multiple light emitting modules arranged in a grid pattern, where each module independently emits light. This segmentation allows the large lighting area to be achieved through multiple small efficient units rather than one large inefficient unit, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and lighting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional vertical hanging luminaires to a planar grid arrangement mounted on the ceiling surface. By changing from a vertical three-dimensional suspension structure to a two-dimensional planar grid, the light is distributed more evenly across the ceiling area, improving lighting efficiency while maintaining large coverage area.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional large scale luminaires are used for open ceiling spaces, then the lighting coverage area is increased, but visual comfort deteriorates due to glare and shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lighting into multiple small modular units distributed across the ceiling, the light source is broken up into numerous small points rather than one or few large sources. This reduces glare intensity at any single location and eliminates shadowing by providing omnidirectional illumination from the grid pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module in the grid emits light locally with optimized angular distribution, creating uniform illumination across the entire ceiling area. The local quality of each module contributes to the overall visual comfort, ensuring consistent light distribution without hot spots or shadows.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light fixtures are customized for specialized applications in different parts of buildings, then the adaptability to specific architectural needs is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture consists of standardized modular units that can be manufactured using mass production techniques, reducing unit cost. These modules are then segmented and arranged in different grid configurations to adapt to various architectural requirements, achieving versatility without customization of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular grid design serves multiple functions: it can be configured in different patterns, scaled to various sizes, and adapted to different ceiling types and architectural styles. The universal module design maintains manufacturing efficiency while providing adaptability to specialized applications through flexible arrangement rather than custom manufacturing.
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 offers improved lighting efficiency, reduced glare, and cost-effectiveness by providing a visually appealing, modular lighting system that can be easily integrated into open ceiling spaces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
A light fixture described in detail below and shown in the drawings, for example, includes a light transmissive waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture may include a light source and an optical element, such as a light transmissive waveguide and/or a diffuser, having a surface forming a light output surface of the light fixture. The optical element is located to receive light from the source and is configured to supply the light for illumination, via the output surface. In an example of the fixture having a waveguide, the source is coupled to supply light to at least one of the lateral surfaces of the waveguide. At least the output surface of the optical element has a three-dimensional compound curvature and a perimeter that includes two or more edges connected at vertices.