Flexible Light Guide for LED Sensor Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guide designs are limited in their ability to adapt to various luminaire shapes and distances from Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), restricting their versatility and compatibility with LED-based luminaires, which are frequently updated, leading to inefficiencies in light transmission and sensor functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light guide that connects luminaires to PCBs, allowing for flexible placement and attachment, featuring a flexible fiber optic light pipe that performs dampening and filtration operations to reduce light intensity and ensure uniform distribution to sensors, while also supporting multiple sensor protocols and interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing light guide designs are used, then light transmission is achieved, but adaptability to various luminaire shapes and distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide system employs adjustable and reconfigurable components that can adapt to different luminaire shapes and mounting distances. The system includes adjustable light guides with variable angles and positions, allowing dynamic adaptation to various LED luminaire configurations while maintaining optimal light transmission efficiency to sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide system is designed as a universal solution that can interface with multiple types of LED luminaires (surface-mounted, recessed, pendant) and various sensor configurations. The system incorporates universal mounting mechanisms and adjustable optical paths that work across different luminaire shapes and distances, eliminating the need for luminaire-specific light guide designs.
2Loss of energy
If rigid body type light guides are used, then light is redirected with minimal loss, but flexibility in placement and integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide system is divided into modular segments including rigid light transmission sections and flexible connection sections. The rigid portions maintain minimal light loss through total internal reflection, while flexible portions (such as flexible light guides or adjustable mounting mechanisms) provide placement adaptability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both low energy loss and high versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flexible light guide components made from optical-grade flexible materials that can bend and adapt to different geometries while maintaining light transmission efficiency. These flexible sections connect rigid light guide portions, enabling integration around existing components and adaptation to various mounting configurations without significant light loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If light guides are customized for specific luminaire shapes, then optimal light coupling is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide system employs standardized, universally compatible components that can be used across different luminaire types without customization. The adjustable and reconfigurable design allows a single light guide model to achieve optimal flux coupling with various LED luminaire shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for custom-manufactured light guides for each luminaire type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves optimal light coupling through adjustable parameters such as light guide angle, position, and orientation rather than through custom manufacturing. The light guides incorporate adjustable features that allow field configuration to match different luminaire radiation patterns, achieving high flux coupling efficiency without increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
This solution enables efficient light transmission with minimal loss, extends sensor longevity, and supports multiple sensor operations by adapting to various luminaire configurations and distances, ensuring consistent and accurate light sensing across different environments.
Implementation Method 1
Light is transmitted through the light guide by means of total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
featuring a flexible fiber optic light pipe that performs dampening and filtration operations to reduce light intensity
Implementation Method 3
ensure uniform distribution to sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transporting high luminous intensity light from at least one luminaire to a destination area is disclosed. The system may include a light guide that carries light from the luminaire to a plurality of sensors located on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The PCB may be attachable anywhere the luminaire is located. While collecting light rays originating from the luminaire and delivering them to the light sensors, the light guide may perform a plurality of operations to modify the characteristics of the collected light rays. The plurality of operations performed by the light guide on the light rays may support the accuracy and longevity of the light sensors on the PCB. Further, the light guide allows the sensor subsystem to be proximal to or distant from the luminaire.