Edge Coupling Luminaire Conical Waveguide Light Diverters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems face inefficiencies in coupling light from Lambertian emitting sources into waveguides due to limited direct incidence on coupling surfaces, leading to reduced overall system efficiency and non-uniform light distribution.

Innovation Solution

The luminaire design incorporates edge coupling with strategically shaped coupling surfaces and light diverters, such as V-shaped or planar surfaces, to maximize direct light incidence and minimize Fresnel reflection, using reflective elements to redirect light onto the coupling surfaces with minimal reflections, and dividers to enhance color mixing and light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional coupling methods are used with Lambertian emitting sources, then the light distribution is achieved, but the coupling efficiency into waveguides is reduced due to limited direct incidence on coupling surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss at coupling interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional planar coupling surfaces to three-dimensional conical coupling surfaces. The conical geometry introduces a new dimensional aspect (angular/radial dimension) that allows Lambertian emitting sources to couple light more effectively into the waveguide by providing coupling surfaces at multiple angles, thereby increasing direct incidence and improving coupling efficiency while reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coupling surfaces from flat to conical shapes, modifying the angle and orientation parameters of the coupling interface. This parameter change allows better alignment between the Lambertian emission pattern and the waveguide input, improving the coupling efficiency and reducing Fresnel reflection losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If conventional coupling surfaces are used, then the structure is simple, but the light distribution uniformity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidcoupling surface geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces conical coupling surfaces that add a radial/angular dimension to the coupling geometry. This dimensional change enables more uniform light distribution across the waveguide input by capturing light from different angles of the Lambertian source, achieving improved illumination uniformity despite the increased geometric complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of energy

If direct coupling is used without diverters, then the device complexity is low, but Fresnel reflection losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFresnel reflection lossVSAvoidnumber of optical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces light diverter elements as intermediary components between the Lambertian source and the waveguide coupling surfaces. These diverters act as mediators that redirect light paths to achieve better incidence angles on the conical coupling surfaces, reducing Fresnel reflection losses while managing the added complexity through strategic placement of these intermediary elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach significantly increases the coupling efficiency of light into waveguides, improving overall system efficiency and achieving uniform light distribution with high color rendition index, suitable for various lighting applications.

Implementation Method 1

minimize Fresnel reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFresnel reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

coupling efficiency of light into waveguides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight coupling: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

redirect light onto the coupling surfaces with minimal reflections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight redirection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

An optical waveguide mixes and directs light emitted by one or more light sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 5

dividers to enhance color mixing and light distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight mixing: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS10168467B2Luminaires utilizing edge coupling

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 IDEAL IND LIGHTING LLC

AI summary

A luminaire includes at least first and second waveguides. The first waveguide has a first coupling surface extending between a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the second waveguide has a second coupling surface extending between a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second coupling surfaces define a coupling cavity. The luminaire further includes at least one light source within the coupling cavity.