Diffuser with Uplight for LED Fixtures

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Solution Overview

Problem

LED-based lighting in factories often results in a 'cave effect' due to insufficient uplight and a harsh, pixelated light appearance, as it emits light in focused directions rather than providing even illumination across large areas, including upper portions and areas above the lighting.

Innovation Solution

A diffuser with uplight apparatus that can be removably attached to existing LED light fixtures, featuring a light diffusion portion and a reflector to redirect light, ensuring even distribution and additional uplight, while maintaining a low profile and improving airflow to prevent overheating and debris accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LED-based lighting is used to provide light in large factories, then efficiency and reliability are improved, but the light distribution becomes focused and directional, creating a 'cave effect' with insufficient uplight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting reliabilityVSAvoiduplight distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser assembly segments the light output into distinct directional components: a downward-facing diffuser portion for general illumination and an upward-facing reflector portion for uplight. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific lighting function while working together to solve the overall light distribution problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional LED fixtures only direct light downward. This invention inverts the approach by adding a reflector portion that redirects light upward, creating uplight where it was previously absent. The reflector captures downward-emitted light and redirects it upward at angles between 45-75 degrees, fundamentally changing the light distribution pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Use of energy by moving object

If LED lights emit in a focused direction, then energy efficiency is improved, but the light appearance becomes harsh and pixelated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidharsh light appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser assembly applies different optical properties to different portions of the light output. The diffuser portion scatters light to create soft, even illumination, while the reflector portion directs light upward. This local differentiation of optical quality allows the system to maintain energy efficiency while eliminating harsh light appearance through controlled light scattering and redirection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If traditional based lighting is used, then even illumination is provided, but the light output appears pixelated and harsh on the eyes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeven illuminationVSAvoidpixelated appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser portion acts as an intermediary between the LED light source and the surrounding environment. It scatters and diffuses the light, creating even illumination while eliminating the pixelated appearance. The diffuser material breaks up the direct light path, creating a soft, uniform light distribution that is comfortable for the eyes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Illumination intensity

If a diffuser with uplight apparatus is added to LED fixtures, then uplight and light diffusion are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplight provisionVSAvoidfixture structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component structure. The diffuser portion and reflector portion are combined in one assembly that attaches to the existing LED fixture, providing both light diffusion and uplight functionality. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies installation while achieving multiple lighting objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diffuser assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it diffuses downward light for even illumination, redirects light upward through the reflector, and attaches to existing LED fixtures. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple lighting deficiencies without requiring several separate devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a lightweight, efficient, and safe means to enhance lighting fixtures by diffusing downward light and redirecting it upwards, reducing pixelation and glare, and ensuring even illumination without increasing clearance, thus addressing the 'cave effect' and harshness issues.

Implementation Method 1

a light diffusion portion that diffuses downward light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a reflector that redirects light emitted from the light source in an upward direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4006412A1Diffuser with uplight
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 DIALIGHT CORP
  • EP4006412A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006412A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4006412A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus includes a light diffusion portion comprising a same shape and approximately a same two dimensional size as a bottom surface of a light source, a light redirection device coupled to a perimeter of the light diffusion portion, wherein the light redirection device redirects a first portion of light emitted from a light source in a direction opposite a second portion of light emitted from the light source that travels through the light diffusion portion, and at least one mechanical coupling member coupled to the light redirection device, wherein the at least one mechanical coupling member is to connect to a corresponding portion of the light source.