Extreme Cutoff Beam Control Optics for LED Luminaire Light Spillage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems, particularly those using light emitting diodes (LEDs) in outdoor luminaires, fail to effectively direct light towards desired areas while preventing light from spilling into undesired directions, resulting in inefficient light distribution and non-compliance with specifications like the LEED program.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly featuring a base with lenses and offset LEDs, combined with a reflector having a curved surface that directs light towards a desired direction and prevents leakage, utilizing a frame and lenses with asymmetrical designs to achieve precise and extreme light cutoff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting systems are used, then light can be emitted in all directions, but light spills into undesired directions and cannot be effectively directed toward specific areas
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly segments the light emission by using multiple individual lenses positioned over each LED, with each lens independently controlling light in its specific zone. This segmentation allows precise directional control for each light source, preventing light spillage into undesired areas while maintaining intensity in target zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetrical lens designs where each lens has different optical properties in different directions. The lenses are specifically shaped to direct light asymmetrically toward desired areas (e.g., street level) while blocking light in undesired directions (e.g., upward or sideways), resolving the contradiction between directional intensity and energy loss.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional optics are used to direct light, then light distribution is achieved, but the cutoff of light in undesired directions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curved lens surfaces with specific radii of curvature to achieve precise light cutoff. The curved geometry of each lens refracts light at controlled angles, creating sharp cutoff lines that prevent light leakage into undesired areas while maintaining adequate illumination in target zones. The curvature allows for more precise angular control compared to flat or simple spherical surfaces.
3Area of stationary object
If more LEDs are added to increase light coverage, then illumination area increases, but the system becomes less compact and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single integrated optical assembly where lenses, LEDs, and reflectors are combined in a compact configuration. Each lens unit serves multiple purposes: directing light forward, blocking upward light, and creating precise cutoff patterns. This integration achieves extensive light coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity or size.
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 achieves sharper light cutoff and improved light coverage by directing more light towards the desired area, reducing unwanted light spillage and meeting LEED program specifications with a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The curved surface can be configured to direct light emitted by the at least one of the plurality of LEDs toward the first side and prevent the light from leaking toward a second side of the at least one reflector that is opposite the first side
Implementation Method 2
Each lens may have a dome shape with a central axis perpendicular to a plane of the base
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an optical assembly and a luminaire with extreme cutoff beam control optics. The optical assembly includes a base, a plurality of lenses disposed on the base and spaced from each other, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED), and a reflector having a curved surface (e.g., concave shape, parabolic shape, etc.) disposed adjacent to at least one of the plurality of LEDs. A central axis of an LED may be offset from a central axis of the respective lens of the plurality of lenses. The curved surface may extend from the base and curving over the at least one of the plurality of LEDs and beyond the central axis of each of the at least one of the plurality of LEDs and direct light in a desired direction or a selected area (e.g., a street side) and cut off light in other direction (e.g., a house side).