Halo Lighting Unit With Light Guide For 360° Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED downlights primarily project light vertically with limited horizontal diffusion, resulting in uneven illumination and aesthetic issues due to the directional nature of LED components, and existing solutions for ambient lighting often restrict color and brightness to a single color or require manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A light unit with a central main lamp and a peripheral array of secondary lamps, utilizing a rotationally symmetrical light guide made of high refractive index material for total internal reflection, which directs light horizontally across a 360° angle, combined with adjustable color temperature and brightness control using LED driver circuits and remote control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED components are used in a downlight fixture, then energy efficiency and modern lighting performance are improved, but the directional nature of LEDs results in narrow beam angles with essentially no horizontal diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide component is introduced as an intermediary between the LED light source and the surrounding environment. The light guide receives light from the LEDs and redirects it horizontally through its side walls, enabling uniform ambient illumination while maintaining the energy efficiency of LED technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide transforms the vertical light emission direction of LEDs into horizontal light distribution. By utilizing the side walls of the light guide structure, light is redirected from the vertical axis to the horizontal plane, achieving 360-degree ambient illumination.
2Device complexity
If a single primary light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the color and brightness of ambient light are limited to that of the primary light source
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into a primary light source for vertical illumination and multiple secondary lamps arranged in an array for horizontal ambient lighting. This segmentation allows independent control of color and brightness for each light source, enabling versatile lighting scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure serves multiple functions: it directs vertical light from the primary source, redirects horizontal light from secondary lamps, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality enables the system to achieve both focused and ambient lighting with a unified design.
3Illumination intensity
If light scattering components are added to redirect light horizontally, then ambient illumination is improved, but the solution requires manual changing of diffuser components and is limited to a single color
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical system of manually changing diffuser components is replaced with an optical system using light guides and LED arrays. The light guide structure passively redirects light through its geometric design and total internal reflection, eliminating the need for manual intervention while enabling color and brightness control through electronic means.
4Loss of energy
If the light guide uses high refractive index material for total internal reflection, then light efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive index parameter of the light guide material is optimized to achieve total internal reflection while maintaining manufacturability. By selecting materials with appropriate refractive indices and designing the light guide geometry to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, the system achieves high light efficiency without excessive precision requirements.
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 even and uniform illumination across a mounting surface, minimizing product protrusion and enhancing aesthetic appeal while allowing for adjustable color and brightness, achieving a homogeneous halo effect with improved cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a rotationally symmetrical light guide made of high refractive index material for total internal reflection, which directs light horizontally across a 360° angle
Data Source
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AI summary
A light unit comprises a housing having a central symmetry axis; a support located in the housing; a main lamp located axially on the support; and a multiplicity of secondary lamps located on the support and arranged in an array around the main lamp; a front casing defining a central aperture to which light from the main lamp passes to the exterior in use, the front casing preventing light from the secondary array from entering the central aperture; the front casing and housing defining a light guide channel; a light guide located in the channel, the light guide having a first end comprising a light inlet proximate the array of secondary lamps and a second end comprising a light outlet proximate a periphery of the housing.