Curved Reflector Segments for Uniform Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional illumination devices, such as troffers, often produce uneven illumination and glare, leading to unsatisfactory lighting uniformity and eye strain, as they primarily direct light vertically downward, failing to effectively illuminate horizontal spaces and ceilings uniformly.

Innovation Solution

The use of an elongated light source combined with reflectors having a plurality of curved reflective segments, which intercept and redirect light to achieve substantially uniform illumination across a target surface, with the reflectors configured to cross paths and distribute light efficiently, avoiding glare and shadows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional troffers direct light vertically downward, then illumination intensity at the target surface is improved, but illumination uniformity deteriorates and glare is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination intensityVSAvoidillumination uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector surface is divided into multiple curved reflective segments with different orientations. Each segment redirects light to specific regions of the target surface, creating a segmented illumination pattern that combines to form uniform overall illumination while reducing glare from any single direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the reflector surface are given different local properties through curved segmentation. Each segment is specifically shaped and oriented to address the illumination needs of its corresponding target region, with proximal segments directing light to distal regions and vice versa, achieving localized optimization that results in global uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If troffers direct light vertically downward, then illumination at the target surface is improved, but illumination of horizontal spaces and ceilings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination at target surfaceVSAvoidillumination coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination pattern is extended from a single vertical dimension to multiple dimensions by using curved reflective segments that redirect light in various directions. This creates illumination coverage across horizontal spaces, ceilings, and the target surface simultaneously, transforming the lighting system from unidirectional to multidirectional coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If curved reflective segments redirect light to different regions, then illumination uniformity is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination uniformityVSAvoidreflector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple curved reflective segments are merged into a single integrated reflector assembly that works as a unified optical system. The segments are positioned and oriented to create overlapping illumination patterns that combine to produce uniform illumination, reducing the need for multiple separate lighting fixtures while achieving complex illumination distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improved lighting uniformity and reduced glare by efficiently redirecting light to cover larger target surfaces, ensuring consistent illumination without shadows, thus enhancing visual comfort and reducing eye strain.

Implementation Method 1

The reflective surface area has a profile having a plurality of curved reflective segments... the at least one reflector is configured to directly intercept and reflect a portion of light emitted by the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10605430B2Light source for uniform illumination of a surface

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 LEDVANCE LLC

AI summary

Devices and methods for uniform illumination of a target surface are disclosed. A device assembly has a light source configured to be coupled to a mounting surface, and at least one reflector. The reflector is configured to be coupled to at least one of the light source or the mounting surface, and interposed between the light source and the mounting surface, the reflector having a reflective surface area and a plurality of curved reflective segments. The reflector is shaped and arranged relative to the light source such that the reflector directly intercepts and reflects a portion of light emitted by the light source to the target surface to thereby cause substantially uniform illumination of the target surface. The target surface has a surface area that is greater than the reflective surface area of the at least one reflector.