Lighting Fixture End Cap Optical Assembly for Continuous Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional end caps in lighting fixtures are typically opaque, limiting the appearance and light output at the ends of the fixtures, as they do not allow light to exit through the end caps, creating a discontinuous look and inefficient light distribution.

Innovation Solution

An optical assembly for the end cap featuring a transparent or translucent outer arcuate lens and an inner lens, which directs light from the main light source through the inner lens and out the outer lens, creating the appearance of a continuous light exit opening and enhancing light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional opaque end caps are used, then the structural integrity and enclosure of the lighting fixture is maintained, but light output at the ends of the fixture is blocked and aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight output at end capVSAvoidblockage of light by opaque material

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap incorporates a translucent or transparent outer lens that changes the optical properties of the end cap material, allowing light to pass through while maintaining the structural enclosure function. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the end cap from an opaque light-blocking component to a light-transmitting component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The end cap uses a composite structure with an outer translucent lens and an inner reflector assembly. This composite design allows the outer layer to transmit light while the inner components manage light distribution, simultaneously achieving light output and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If opaque end caps are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but aesthetic appearance and light distribution efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of end cap constructionVSAvoidlight distribution at fixture ends

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer translucent lens and an inner reflector assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner reflector assembly is nested within the outer translucent lens structure. This nested configuration allows compact integration of multiple functional elements within the end cap volume, achieving complex light management without excessive manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If the outer lens extends upward and outward from the main light exit opening, then aesthetic appearance and perception of continuous light exit are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance of continuous light exit openingVSAvoidcomplexity of optical assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer lens employs a curved, arcuate shape that extends upward and outward from the main light exit opening. This curvature creates the aesthetic appearance of a continuous light exit while the lens form factor manages the structural complexity through a single molded component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 optical assembly enables light to exit through the end cap, enhancing the aesthetic appearance and light output at the ends of the lighting fixture, providing a more cohesive and efficient light distribution.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2665963B1Optical assembly for an end cap of a lighting fixture

Publication Date: 2018.10.24 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

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AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for an optical assembly for an end cap (30) of a lighting fixture (10). The optical assembly includes an outer lens (50) and an inner lens (40) interior of the outer lens (50). The end cap (30) may be coupled to a lighting fixture main housing (12) and configured to enable light from a light source (18) within the main housing (12) to enter the end cap (30), be directed through the inner lens (40), and out the outer lens (50).