Partially Collimated Lighting System Using Funnel Reflector and Transparent Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems with semiconductor light-emitting devices fail to provide partially-collimated or substantially-collimated light emissions with uniform brightness and controlled beam angles, often resulting in aesthetically unpleasing glare and inefficient light propagation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising a bowl reflector, a funnel reflector, and an optically-transparent body, where the funnel reflector's parabolic surface and the optically-transparent body's refractive index work together to refract light emissions, reducing glare and enhancing control over light directionality by reflecting light in a partially or substantially collimated beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional lighting systems are used, then light emissions are generated, but the light propagation is inefficient and produces aesthetically unpleasing glare
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple zones with different optical functions: a first reflective surface for collimating light, a second reflective surface for redirecting light, and a third reflective surface for additional light control. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific optical problems independently, reducing glare while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
An optically transparent body is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the environment. This mediator refracts and redirects light emissions, controlling the beam pattern to eliminate glare while preserving light propagation efficiency
2Ease of operation
If conventional lighting systems are used, then light emissions are generated, but control over light directionality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector employs curved surfaces including parabolic and spherical sections to naturally focus and redirect light in specific directions. The optically transparent body also utilizes curved refractive surfaces to control light propagation, achieving precise directional control through geometric optics rather than complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls light directionality by utilizing the third dimension (vertical axis) through the stacked arrangement of multiple reflective surfaces and the optically transparent body. This dimensional approach allows light to be redirected along the vertical axis while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional lighting systems are used, then light emissions are generated, but unintended light dispersion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones of the reflector and optically transparent body are designed with locally optimized optical properties. The first reflective surface focuses on collimation, the second on redirection, and the third on additional control. This local optimization ensures that light is precisely directed where needed while preventing dispersion in other directions, maintaining uniform brightness
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 system achieves reduced glare and improved control over light propagation, allowing for a more compact design with directed light emissions, minimizing unintended light dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
the second light-reflective parabolic surface has a ring of focal points being located at a first position within the cavity... the visible-light source is within the cavity at a second position being located, relative to the first position of the ring, for causing some of the visible-light emissions to be reflected by the second light-reflective parabolic surface as having a partially-collimated distribution
Implementation Method 2
an optically-transparent body... has a first base being spaced apart along the central axis from a second base... the optically-transparent body's refractive index work together to refract light emissions, reducing glare and enhancing control over light directionality
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting system. Bowl reflector has rim defining horizon and aperture, first light-reflective surface defining cavity, first parabolic surface. Funnel reflector has flared funnel-shaped body: central axis; second light-reflective surface aligned along axis; second parabolic surface; tip located within cavity along axis; profile including parabolic curves converging towards tip. Optically-transparent body aligned with second light-reflective surface along axis; with: bases spaced apart by side surface; first base facing light source. Second parabolic surface has ring of focal points at first position within cavity, equidistant from second parabolic surface; ring encircles first point on axis. Second parabolic surface has axes of symmetry intersecting with and radiating in directions all around axis from second point. Axes of symmetry intersect with focal points. Second point on axis between first point and horizon. Light source located for causing light emissions reflected by second parabolic surface to have partially-collimated distribution.