Dual Diffusion Wheel Layout for Smooth Luminaire Frost Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminaires struggle to achieve progressively-increasing or decreasing diffusion levels in light beams without noticeable visual artifacts, and mechanisms to provide multiple diffusion levels are costly and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire with a diffusion wheel subsystem comprising a first and second diffusion wheel, each with multiple regions providing different degrees of diffusion, rotates in opposite directions to insert regions into the beam path simultaneously and progressively to achieve smooth transitions in diffusion levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single diffusion wheel is used to provide diffusion levels, then the device complexity is reduced, but smooth progressive transitions without visual artifacts cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion wheel subsystem is segmented into two separate diffusion wheels (first diffusion wheel and second diffusion wheel), each with its own diffusion regions. This segmentation allows independent control of each wheel's diffusion contribution, enabling smooth progressive transitions by controlling which diffusion regions are active in the light beam, thereby eliminating visual artifacts while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple diffusion wheels are stacked to provide multiple diffusion levels, then diffusion control versatility is improved, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two diffusion wheels are stacked in a nested arrangement along the light beam path, with the first diffusion wheel positioned at a first position and the second diffusion wheel positioned at a second position downstream. This nesting approach allows multiple diffusion levels to be achieved within a compact space by layering the diffusion wheels along the optical path rather than requiring lateral expansion.
3Device complexity
If diffusion regions are inserted into the beam path from one side only, then the mechanism is simplified, but noticeable visual artifacts occur during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second diffusion wheels are configured to rotate in opposite directions during the transition from retracted to initial configuration. The first diffusion wheel rotates in a first direction while the second diffusion wheel rotates in a second direction (opposite to the first). This asymmetric rotation pattern ensures that diffusion regions from both wheels are gradually inserted into the light beam simultaneously, creating smooth progressive transitions without visual artifacts while maintaining a relatively simple dual-wheel mechanism.
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 allows for visually pleasing, smooth transitions between diffusion levels, reducing perceivable visual artifacts and minimizing space and cost overhead.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusion wheel subsystem, including a first diffusion wheel and a second diffusion wheel stacked with the first diffusion wheel. The first diffusion wheel is configured to provide different degrees of diffusion to a light beam passing therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire includes a light source configured to generate an emitted light beam and a diffusion wheel subsystem. The subsystem includes a first diffusion wheel to provide different degrees of diffusion to the light beam, and a second diffusion wheel stacked with the first diffusion wheel and to provide different degrees of diffusion to the light beam. A first diffusion region of the first diffusion wheel provides a lowest degree of diffusion, and the first diffusion region of the first diffusion wheel is located at a first edge of the first diffusion wheel. A first diffusion region of the second diffusion wheel provides a degree of diffusion approximately equal to that of the first diffusion region of the first diffusion wheel, and is located at a second edge of the second diffusion wheel.