Elongated Lighting Module Ceiling Indirect Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear ambient lighting systems are expensive, complex, bulky, and have low efficacy, providing unpleasant lighting with significant direct light and sharp light-dark contrasts due to their reflective covers and wide beam emission patterns.
Innovation Solution
An elongated lighting module with a transparent cover and adjustable LED orientation, where LEDs emit light directly towards the ceiling, reducing light loss and beam angle, and featuring a suspension element that extends over the entire length of the module, allowing for tilting and displacement to minimize shadows and glare, while using small LEDs for more uniform and continuous illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a reflective cover is used to direct light upward, then indirect lighting is provided, but the system becomes bulky and creates sharp light-dark contrasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reflective cover entirely, extracting the light direction function to the LED orientation itself. The LEDs are positioned and angled to direct light upward without requiring a reflective cover, thereby eliminating the bulky structure and light-dark contrasts while maintaining effective indirect lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a cover to reflect light upward, the invention inverts the approach by directly orienting the LEDs to emit light upward. This reversal of the light direction mechanism eliminates the need for complex reflective structures and their associated problems.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple separate lighting units are used to form a linear light, then coverage is improved, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate lighting units into a single integrated elongated housing containing a continuous array of LEDs. This unified structure provides the same or greater coverage area while reducing complexity, cost, and the number of connection points required.
Solution Approach 2:
The single elongated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the light source array, offers electrical connectivity along its length, and defines the overall lighting geometry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components.
3Illumination intensity
If fluorescent lighting elements are used, then indirect lighting is achieved, but efficacy is reduced and construction is bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental light source parameter from fluorescent to LED technology. LEDs provide higher efficacy and convert more electrical energy to light, reducing energy losses. The LED array maintains the indirect lighting function through proper orientation and positioning within the housing.
4Loss of energy
If LEDs are oriented to emit light directly towards the ceiling, then efficacy is increased, but direct light exposure may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial zones within the housing: LEDs are oriented upward to maximize ceiling-directed light output for efficacy, while the housing structure and LED arrangement create zones that control direct light exposure. The elongated housing design allows light to be directed upward while minimizing lateral direct exposure to occupants.
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 results in a more efficient, slim, and unobtrusive lighting system with reduced light-dark contrasts and increased efficacy by directing at least 50% of light towards the ceiling, providing glare-free, ambient lighting with improved design flexibility and reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmissive cover comprising a light transmissive cover top at a top side opposite said base side and a light transmissive wall extending between the top side and the base side
Implementation Method 2
light is only provided to the ambient in a downward direction after first being directed upwardly towards a (false) ceiling and subsequently reflected therefrom in a downward direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An elongated, indirect lighting module comprising a plurality of LEDs arranged along a longitudinal axis in a housing provided with a mounting element having an elongated shape in axial direction. The elongated lighting module further comprising suspension elements for suspended connection of the housing to a ceiling. Each suspension element has at a first end a first connector connected to the mounting element, and at a second, opposite end a second connector for connection to the ceiling. The suspension element via its first connector is displaceable along the longitudinal axis over the mounting element, and the LEDs are configured to issue light into a radial direction essentially away from both the mounting element and the suspension element and for a major part toward the ceiling.