Grid Sheet Carrier Lighting Homogeneous Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grid-shaped LED lighting devices suffer from spottiness and inhomogeneous illumination due to LEDs being mounted only at nodes, leading to low efficiency and limited applications, with the use of diffusers further reducing efficiency and aesthetic value.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a grid sheet carrier featuring a high density of LEDs on one main face, arranged in a two-dimensional pattern coinciding with the carrier's pattern, where LEDs point towards a reflective surface, providing homogeneous illumination by reflecting light through openings, and using low- or mid-power LEDs without additional optics, allowing for minimalistic design and efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LEDs are mounted only at nodes of the grid, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the illumination becomes spotted and inhomogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the grid structure into multiple independent segments or zones, each with its own LED mounting pattern. This allows different regions to be optimized for different functions - some areas for uniform illumination, others for structural simplicity - resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and illumination homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different LED mounting densities and patterns to different local regions of the grid. Areas requiring uniform illumination have higher LED density, while other areas maintain simpler node-only mounting. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to optimize for its specific requirement.
2Illumination intensity
If a diffuser is mounted in front of the grid to counteract spottiness, then illumination homogeneity improves, but overall efficiency decreases and aesthetic value is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the diffuser component entirely from the system. Instead of adding a diffuser to achieve homogeneity, the patent achieves uniform illumination through optimized LED arrangement and grid geometry, thereby eliminating the energy losses and aesthetic drawbacks associated with diffusers while maintaining illumination homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element or surface between the LEDs and the observed space that achieves light redistribution without the negative effects of a traditional diffuser. This intermediary structure provides the needed illumination homogeneity while maintaining higher efficiency and better aesthetics compared to conventional diffusers.
3Device complexity
If the lead wire and neutral wire are formed as one continuous wire with LEDs connected in parallel, then the electrical connection is simple, but the lighting device can only be controlled as a single unit, limiting applications
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring is divided into multiple independent circuits or zones, each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows different regions of the grid to be controlled separately, enabling diverse lighting patterns and applications while maintaining relatively simple wiring within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device incorporates dynamic control capabilities through independent circuit zones, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on different operational requirements. Each zone can be independently dimmed, colored, or timed, providing versatility while maintaining simple individual circuit designs.
4Quantity of substance
If low- or mid-power LEDs are used to achieve better lumen per dollar ratio, then more LEDs are needed for general lighting, but the mounting surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by mounting LEDs on both faces of the grid structure. This bidirectional mounting effectively doubles the lighting output for the same physical footprint, allowing the use of cost-effective low- or mid-power LEDs without requiring excessive mounting surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid structure is divided into multiple mounting zones or layers, each contributing to the overall light output. This segmentation allows efficient use of space by distributing LEDs across multiple zones, achieving high total lumen output with compact mounting area while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 achieves homogeneous and efficient illumination with a minimalistic design, high perceived dynamic resolution, and cost-effectiveness by using reflective light and a dense LED arrangement, eliminating the need for diffusers and optical elements, while providing effective thermal management and aesthetic versatility.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of LEDs mounted only on one main face of the carrier material and arranged in a two-dimensional, second pattern
Implementation Method 2
the LEDs are arranged to aim light toward said reflective surface during operation such that a majority of said light is reflected back through said openings in the grid sheet carrier
Implementation Method 3
the grid sheet carrier can for example be a perforated or corrugated metal plate, sheet or any network of (curved) lines (having two opposite main faces)... this also facilitates convective cooling as it allows free airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device comprising a grid sheet carrier 3 mounted via its border 4 on a base part and having an open surface area 5 of a plurality of openings 7 and having carrier material 9 surrounding said openings. The carrier material 9 being arranged in a two-dimensional, first pattern 11. The lighting device further comprises a plurality of LEDs 13 mounted on one main face 15 of the carrier material 9 and arranged in a two-dimensional, second pattern 17. The second pattern 17 is coinciding with the first pattern 11 when superimposed and the second pattern 17 is at least a sub-pattern of the first pattern 11. Furthermore, R is a ratio between the plurality of LEDs 13 and the plurality of openings 7, wherein R>=3.