Faceted Translucent Housing Directs Light to Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting controllers lack efficient light directing mechanisms within their housings, limiting the effectiveness of light sensing systems, particularly in smart lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a housing member with facets that direct light towards a light sensing system, such as a light sensor or light guide, within the electronic device, enhancing the light detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional smooth-domed housing is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light sensing efficiency is insufficient due to lack of light directing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The interior surface of the housing is divided into multiple facets, each angled to direct light from specific directions toward the light sensor. This segmentation of the surface into functional zones enables targeted light directing while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the housing interior are assigned different optical properties through the facets. Each facet is angled specifically to receive and direct light from its local region toward the sensor, creating localized light guiding functionality without requiring a complete redesign of the entire housing.
2Measurement precision
If light is allowed to enter from many angles through a smooth dome, then the housing structure remains simple, but the light is not directed toward specific locations reducing sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The interior surface is segmented into multiple angled facets that can be manufactured as integral parts of the housing. This segmentation allows light to be directed from multiple specific angles while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process compared to separate optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light directing function is merged directly into the housing structure itself through the faceted interior surface. This eliminates the need for separate optical components or attachments, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving accurate light directionality.
3Productivity
If facets are added to the housing interior to direct light, then light sensing efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The facets are integrated directly into the housing structure as a single molded or formed piece. This merging of the light directing function into the housing itself avoids the need for separate optical components, reducing assembly steps and maintaining manufacturing efficiency while improving light sensing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The faceted housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, allows light entry from various directions, and directs that light to the sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, offsetting the increased design complexity with functional consolidation.
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
Improves the efficiency and accuracy of light sensing by focusing impinging light onto the light sensor or light guide, enabling better control of lighting based on ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The housing member has an interior surface and an at least partially translucent exterior surface, wherein the interior surface includes a plurality of facets configured to direct light impinging on a translucent portion of the exterior surface toward the light sensing system
Implementation Method 2
the facets are configured to direct the impinging light toward the light sensor
Implementation Method 3
The light guide, when included, directs light impinging on its input/entrance to a light sensor or other portion of the light sensing system positioned proximate the light guide's output
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a light sensing system and an at least partially translucent housing member positioned over at least the light sensing system. The housing member has an interior surface and an at least partially translucent exterior surface, wherein the interior surface includes multiple facets configured to direct light impinging on a translucent portion of the exterior surface toward the light sensing system. The facets are configured to create a prismatic effect, such as the effect produced by a Fresnel lens, that directs light toward the light sensing system. The light sensing system optionally includes a light sensor and/or a light guide. Where the electronic device is a lighting control device, the electronic device further includes a processor coupled to the light sensing system and operable to generate lighting control signals responsive to receipt of light sensing signals from the light sensing system.