Downlight to Wallwash Lens Using Refraction and Total Internal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wallwash fixtures have limitations in directing light towards walls, resulting in inefficient illumination due to axial light distribution, which increases manufacturing complexity and cost, and often require additional fixtures to compensate for reduced light output towards floors.
Innovation Solution
The development of lenses with optically active zones that redirect light via refraction and total internal reflection, producing an off-axis light distribution to enhance illumination on walls while maintaining floor illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional wallwash fixtures use axial light distribution like downlights, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but the amount of light directed towards walls is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple optically active zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different optical functions. Each zone redirects light in specific directions to achieve wallwash illumination, separating the optical control into distinct functional regions rather than using a single complex optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are given different optical properties - the first optically active zone has structures for redirecting light at certain angles, the second zone has different structures for other angles, and the third zone handles additional light redirection. This local differentiation of optical quality enables precise light distribution control.
2Illumination intensity
If wallwash fixtures are installed close to the wall, then some light reaches the wall, but most light is still wasted and does not illuminate the wall effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The lens pre-redirects light rays before they exit the fixture using refraction and total internal reflection at strategically positioned optically active zones. This preliminary optical action ensures light is directed toward the wall from the start, preventing wasted light emission and maximizing illumination efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tilting or positioning systems with an optical solution - the lens uses refraction and total internal reflection to redirect light without moving parts. This substitution achieves wallwash functionality through optical mechanisms rather than mechanical adjustment.
3Illumination intensity
If additional parts like gimbals or reflectors are added to redirect light, then wall illumination improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions (light redirection, reflection, refraction) are merged into a single integrated lens component. The lens combines the functions of what would otherwise require separate reflectors, gimbals, or adjustment mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the same wallwash effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens serves multiple functions simultaneously - it redirects light to walls, maintains downlight functionality, and controls light distribution patterns. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components or fixtures.
4Illumination intensity
If the light source is tilted mechanically to illuminate walls, then wallwash effect is achieved, but the fixture design differs from traditional downlights and requires additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tilting of the light source with an optical redirection system. The lens uses refraction and total internal reflection to change light direction without physically moving the light source or requiring gimbal mechanisms, maintaining a simple fixed fixture design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens acts as an intermediary between the light source and the wall. Instead of mechanically moving the light source, the lens mediates the light path, redirecting rays through optical surfaces to achieve wall illumination while keeping the fixture structure simple and fixed.
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 lenses effectively increase the amount of light directed towards walls, improving illumination efficiency and reducing the need for additional fixtures, while maintaining adequate floor lighting.
Implementation Method 1
the first optically active region comprises first optically active structures configured to redirect, via refraction, a portion of light received through the light source facing side and incident thereon
Implementation Method 2
the second optically active region comprises second optically active structures configured to redirect, in part via total internal reflection, a portion of light received through the light source facing side and incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Optical components for lighting devices and lighting devices including such components are described. In some embodiments the optical components are in the form of a lens that alter the distribution of light produced by a lighting fixture. In some embodiments, the lenses are in the form of a downlight to wallwash lens which, when placed in a downlight fixture, convert the light distribution to that of a wallwash fixture, e.g., causing the downlight to produce an off-axis light distribution, without changing the fixture. The lens includes a body with a light source facing side and an opposite room facing side having two optically active regions, each including structures that redirect a portion of light received through the light source facing side and incident thereon. The first region includes structures that redirect, via refraction, and the second region includes structures that redirect, in part via total internal reflection.