Flexible LED Lighting Profile with Diffusive Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible linear lighting devices with embedded LED sources are aesthetically unpleasing due to visible LEDs and irregular light emission, particularly in applications like wall washing and cove lighting, necessitating a solution for diffused lighting that maintains performance and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with an elongated profiled body and opaque lateral inserts made of polymer material, where the LED light radiation source assembly is housed, allowing for lamination onto an extruded profile using a mechanical reference, enabling flexible mounting and reduced adhesive material usage, and featuring a diffusive material for homogenizing light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light radiation sources (LEDs) are arranged on a support board within a flexible case, then the device provides structured lighting functionality, but the individual LEDs become visible in the near field creating an unpleasant appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A diffusive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the LED light radiation sources and the external environment. This layer scatters the light rays emitted by the LEDs, homogenizing the luminance distribution and making individual LED positions imperceptible while maintaining overall light output
Solution Approach 2:
The case is structured with different local properties: a diffusive portion that scatters light to homogenize luminance, and an opaque side wall portion that prevents light leakage. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by addressing specific lighting quality issues in different regions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If opaque side walls are used to prevent light spillage, then light containment is improved, but the available volume for adhesive material varies with component changes affecting the final result
Solution Approach 1:
The support board structure includes integrated retention features (such as recesses or protrusions) that automatically position and retain the light radiation source assembly without requiring precise adhesive application. This self-retaining mechanism compensates for component variations and eliminates the need for precise adhesive volume control
3Ease of manufacture
If the support board is laminated onto an extruded profile using adhesive, then mounting is achieved, but variations in adhesive amount modify the distance between the support board and profile affecting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive-based mechanical connection is replaced with a mechanical retention system integrated into the support board structure. Features such as recesses, protrusions, or snap-fit mechanisms provide precise positioning and retention without relying on adhesive amount, eliminating positioning variability
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 provides a diffused lighting effect that makes LED positions less perceivable at short distances, maintains light output performance, and allows for the use of LEDs of varying heights without affecting the final result, while minimizing optical losses and simplifying the extrusion process.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusive polymer material, adapted to scatter light and provide the desired diffused appearance
Implementation Method 2
The lamination may be carried out with a transparent glue
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A lighting device (10) includes a channel-shaped elongated profiled body (12) including a light permeable material and having a mouth portion (12a), and a light radiation source assembly (16) arranged at said mouth portion (12a) and including a support board (16a) having one or more electrically powered light radiation sources (16b), e.g. LED light radiation sources, thereon facing profiled body (12). The mouth portion (12a) of the profiled body (12) includes shoulder formations (120a, 120b) arranged sidewise of said mouth portion (12), with said support board (16a) abutting against said shoulder formations (120a, 120b).