Edge-Lit Lighting Device With Segmented LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard edge-lit lighting fixtures often emit light uniformly in all directions, which can be undesirable for specific applications, such as illuminating only occupied areas or avoiding illumination of certain regions, leading to the need for additional structures like inserts and shields to control light distribution.
Innovation Solution
An edge-lit lighting device with multiple sets of LEDs positioned on different narrow sides of a light emitting panel, allowing for adjustable intensity levels and selective powering to achieve specific light distribution patterns through the broad side, enabling customizable illumination by adjusting the intensity and activation of LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard edge-lit lighting fixtures emit light uniformly in all directions, then the lighting fixture provides general illumination, but additional structures like inserts and shields are needed to control light distribution for specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device divides the light source into multiple separate LED sets positioned at different narrow sides of the LEP. Each LED set can be independently controlled, allowing selective illumination of different areas without requiring additional controlling structures like shields or inserts.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device enables dynamic control of light distribution by allowing different LED sets to be selectively powered on or off and by adjusting their intensity levels. This dynamic adaptability provides versatile light distribution patterns without adding physical structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting fixtures use inserts and shields to control light distribution, then specific areas can be illuminated selectively, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing fixtures with additional inserts and shields, the patent segments the light source into multiple independent LED sets. This approach achieves the same light distribution control function through a simpler manufacturing process that only requires positioning LEDs at different narrow sides of the LEP.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light distribution control function from physical structures (inserts and shields) and implements it through selective activation of LED sets. This removes the need for additional manufactured components while maintaining the desired light distribution patterns.
3Illumination intensity
If all LED sets are powered at full intensity, then maximum illumination is achieved, but energy consumption increases and may illuminate unwanted areas
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device implements dynamic intensity control for each LED set, allowing the system to adjust power consumption based on actual illumination needs. Different LED sets can be powered at different intensity levels or selectively turned off, reducing energy consumption while maintaining required illumination levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different intensity levels to different LED sets based on local illumination requirements. This allows maximum illumination intensity only where needed, rather than uniformly high intensity across all areas, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lighting fixtures illuminate all areas uniformly, then general visibility is provided, but the ability to adapt to specific situations (e.g., occupancy-based illumination) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device provides dynamic adaptability to different situations by enabling selective control of different LED sets. The system can be operated in various modes (e.g., illuminating only occupied areas) by controlling which LED sets are active, providing both situational adaptation and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device achieves multi-functionality by using the same LED sets for both general illumination and selective area illumination. The system can adapt to different situations (occupied/unoccupied areas, different times) without requiring separate lighting systems, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing adaptability.
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
Enables flexible and customizable light distribution patterns, reducing the need for additional structures by allowing users to tailor light emission to specific areas and situations, such as illuminating only occupied spaces or adjusting based on time and occupancy.
Implementation Method 1
Light from the light source may enter the LEP through a narrow side of the LEP. The light from the light source that enters the LEP through the narrow side of the LEP may be emitted by the LEP through the broad side of the LEP
Data Source
AI summary
A circular edge-lit lighting device includes a light emitting panel (LEP) and a first light emitting diode (LED) light source positioned proximal to a first location on a narrow outer perimeter edge of the LEP. The first LED light source is configured to emit a first light into the LEP through the narrow outer perimeter edge. The first light has a first intensity level. The circular edge-lit lighting device also includes a second LED light source positioned proximal to a second location on the narrow outer perimeter edge the LEP. The second LED light source is configured to emit a second light into the LEP through the narrow outer perimeter edge. The second light has a second intensity level. The first location and the second location are different locations.