Interconnected Lighting Panels with Microstructures for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in providing evenly distributed, controllable, and aesthetically pleasing lighting, particularly with LED panels that are thin and flat, as they often suffer from 'hot' and 'dark' spots due to uneven light emission and structural constraints, limiting their application in architectural and interior design.
Innovation Solution
The development of interconnected, modular lighting panels with innovative optical and structural features, including microstructures for light dispersion and redirection, allows for even light distribution and concealment of light sources, enabling flexible geometric arrangements and integration with smart home devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If LED panels are made thin and flat, then aesthetic quality and ease of installation are improved, but light distribution becomes uneven causing hot and dark spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light-guiding structures and diffusing elements as intermediary components between the LED light sources and the panel exterior. These intermediaries redirect and scatter light to eliminate hot spots while maintaining the thin panel profile, resolving the contradiction between thinness and uniform light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional light-guiding channels and layered diffusing structures within the thin panel to redistribute light in multiple directions. By utilizing vertical and lateral light paths within the constrained thickness, the design achieves uniform illumination without increasing panel thickness.
2Illumination intensity
If visible frames are used to conceal concentrated light sources, then hot spots are hidden, but device complexity and aesthetic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-concealing function with the panel's structural elements by integrating light-guiding channels and diffusing layers directly into the panel body. This eliminates the need for separate visible frames, reducing structural complexity while maintaining hot spot concealment and achieving a cleaner aesthetic appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interconnected modular panels are used, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into standardized modular panels with uniform connection interfaces. Each panel is manufactured independently using consistent processes, and the modular design allows flexible geometric arrangements through simple interconnection, balancing manufacturing ease with system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal connection interfaces and standardized electrical contacts that work across all panel configurations. The same modular panel design can be arranged in various geometric patterns while using identical manufacturing processes and connection mechanisms, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite increased versatility.
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
This solution provides a uniform and aesthetically appealing lighting solution that minimizes 'hot' and 'dark' spots, allowing for versatile applications in various environments while maintaining a thin and lightweight design, enhancing both functional and ornamental uses.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmitting body having: a first surface through which light from the at least one LED enters the light-transmitting body; a second surface through which light exits the light-transmitting body
Implementation Method 2
arranged in relation to at least one other light-transmitting body, such that the LED, the first surfaces and segments of the core of the plurality of light-transmitting bodies are concealed as the luminaire is electrically powered
Data Source
AI summary
A series of interconnected (directly or indirectly), coupled lighting panels is provided, the coupled lighting panels linked to one another such that various shapes and designs can be created using various arrangements of the coupled lighting panels, the lighting panels of some embodiments adapted to avoid dark spots proximate to lighting circuitry disposed therein. The lighting panels can be luminaires, and may be provided in various geometric shapes, having various dimensionalities (e.g., a flat 2 dimensional shape, or a 3 dimensional shape). Various control systems, connectors, housings, frames, and lighting systems are also described.