Free-form Reflector Illumination with Segmented Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices, such as floor lamps with free-form surface reflectors, face challenges in achieving uniform illumination of multiple surfaces without complex and computationally intensive reflector geometry calculations, especially when dealing with multiple punctiform light sources, making it difficult to manufacture and adjust illumination areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging groups of secondary lamps next to each other outside the main lamp position to form planar light sources, which compensate for deviations in the beam path and allow for easy manufacturing of the reflector geometry, enabling precise illumination of main and secondary areas with adjustable lighting configurations, including varying intensity and color temperature, and the use of a steering optic to prevent scattered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a freeform surface reflector is designed to illuminate multiple surfaces with multiple point-like light sources, then illumination uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into a main light source with a precisely calculated reflector for the main illumination area, and separate secondary light sources for secondary illumination areas. This segmentation allows the reflector to be optimized for the primary function while secondary illumination is handled by additional simple light sources, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is designed with universal applicability for the main light source position, allowing it to be manufactured once and used effectively for the main illumination area. The secondary light sources can be positioned at different locations to provide additional illumination areas, making the system adaptable without requiring custom reflectors for each configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple point-like light sources are arranged to illuminate different surfaces, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into a main light source positioned at a calculated position for the main illumination area, and separate secondary light sources positioned outside the main light source position for secondary illumination areas. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source arrangement to a multi-dimensional arrangement by positioning secondary light sources at different locations relative to the main light source. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables illumination of additional surfaces and areas without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the reflector is calculated specifically for multiple light source positions, then illumination precision is improved, but calculation time and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided such that the reflector is calculated and optimized specifically for the main light source position, achieving precise illumination for the main area. Secondary illumination areas are provided by separate secondary light sources that do not require complex recalculations, thereby reducing total calculation time and manufacturing effort while maintaining precision where needed.
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 approach allows for efficient, precise, and adaptable illumination of multiple surfaces with reduced manufacturing complexity, enabling glare-free zones and meeting safety requirements while minimizing power consumption, and allows for complex lighting concepts and fine adjustments in illumination direction.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector (1) which is arranged opposite a light source carrier (4) comprising a main light source (2) and several secondary light sources (3), wherein the reflector (1) deflects the light emitted by the main light source (2) and the secondary light sources (3) onto the surfaces opposite the reflector (1)
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for illuminating several, separately delimited areas is described, comprising a reflector (1) calculated for at least one main illumination area (5) and a main light source (2) fixedly arranged on a light source carrier (4) opposite the reflector (1) in the calculated main light source position (6), as well as a secondary light source (3) arranged outside the main light source position (6) for a secondary illumination area (12, 13).In order to achieve illumination of secondary illumination areas (12, 13) delimited by a main illumination area (5) calculated for a main light source (2), without having to design the reflector (1) specifically for the secondary light sources (3) illuminating the secondary illumination areas (12, 13), it is proposed that for each main light source (2) several secondary light sources (3) arranged in groups in the direction of a main axis (A) are arranged directly next to each other outside the main light source position (6) of the curved free-form reflector.