Curved Waveguide Light Fixture Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many light fixtures generate excessive glare, which is aesthetically unpleasing and can cause visual misperceptions and safety hazards due to uneven light distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of curved waveguides in light fixtures, which can be thermally coupled with heat sinks and feature light modules adjacent to their sides, directing light in a manner that reduces or eliminates glare through controlled curvature and reflector designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional light sources with lenses, diffusers, or reflectors are used, then light emission is achieved, but glare is generated causing uneven light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved waveguide surfaces instead of traditional flat optical components. The curved geometry of the waveguide naturally redirects light paths, distributing illumination more uniformly across the target area while minimizing direct glare. The curvature transforms the light emission pattern from concentrated and directional to diffuse and omnidirectional.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary between the light source and the environment. Instead of light directly reaching observers or surfaces, it travels through the waveguide structure which controls and modulates the light distribution. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for traditional glare-causing components like lenses and reflectors.
2Stability of the object's composition
If curved waveguides are used to reduce glare, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light from the source, controls light distribution patterns, eliminates glare, and provides structural support for the lighting assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving uniform light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the waveguide's physical parameters—such as curvature radius, thickness, and material refractive index—to control light behavior. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves uniform light distribution with a relatively simple single-piece waveguide structure rather than complex multi-component systems.
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 curved waveguide system effectively reduces glare, enhances light distribution consistency, and offers design flexibility, improving both aesthetics and safety by directing light in a more uniform and controlled pattern.
Implementation Method 1
curved waveguides in light fixtures, which can be thermally coupled with heat sinks and feature light modules adjacent to their sides, directing light in a manner that reduces or eliminates glare through controlled curvature and reflector designs
Implementation Method 2
The light fixture can include a heat sink having at least one coupling feature, and at least one first light module thermally coupled to the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
A curved waveguide is described herein. The curved waveguide can include a length having at least one portion. The curved waveguide can also include a width, a height, and at least one side. A first portion of the at least one portion of the length can have a first curvature. The at least one side is configured to receive light emitted by at least one light module disposed adjacent to the at least one side.