Inclined Planar Light Source and Reflector for Wall Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices with planar light sources and bowl-like reflectors are ineffective in illuminating a vertically wide range, such as a wall surface, as they are optimized for light emission along the axis of the reflector, limiting the use of light in directions other than the reflector's axis.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a planar light source and a bowl-like reflector, where the reflector is inclined with its lower portion closer to the wall and the light-emitting surface is inclined such that portions farther from the wall are upper than those closer, allowing more light to be directed towards the reflector and improving illumination efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the reflector and light-emitting surface are oriented orthogonally to the central axis (conventional configuration), then the lighting device is optimal for illuminating areas directly below along the axis, but the light cannot effectively illuminate wall surfaces in a vertically wide range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination direction adaptabilityVSAvoidlight utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by inclining the reflector and light-emitting surface relative to the central axis. The reflector's axis is set at a specific angle to the device's central axis, and the light-emitting surface is inclined accordingly. This asymmetric configuration redirects light toward wall surfaces while maintaining efficient light collection, enabling both vertical wall illumination and effective light utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Area of stationary object

If the reflector is inclined to direct more light toward the wall surface, then the illumination coverage on the wall is improved, but the light-emitting surface must also be inclined which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveilluminated area on wallVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inclination adjustments of the reflector and light-emitting surface into a unified structural design. Both components are inclined at coordinated angles relative to the central axis, creating an integrated asymmetric configuration. This merging approach achieves wide wall illumination while managing complexity through coordinated design rather than independent adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration increases the amount of light provided to the wall surface by optimizing the inclination angles of the reflector and light-emitting surface, enhancing light distribution and reducing the reflector's radius, thus improving space efficiency and illumination controllability.

Implementation Method 1

the light emitted from the light-emitting surface is reflected by the reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3196540B1Lighting-device body and lighting device
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 MODULEX
  • EP3196540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3196540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3196540B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Issue to be solved: A lighting device body is provided that can effectively use the light from a light-emitting surface, for example when a wall surface or the like is to be illuminated in a vertically wide range. Solution: A reflector 80 is disposed in an inclined orientation such that the lower portion of an axis C1 is located nearer to a wall surface W. A light-emitting surface 72 of a planar light source 70 is inclined with respect to a first virtual plane H1 that is perpendicular to the axis C1, such that a portion farther from the wall surface W (B portion) is located relatively upper. In other words, the light-emitting surface 72 is oriented toward a region of the reflector 80 located farther from the wall surface W than the axis C1. With this configuration, among the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting surface 72, the amount of light provided to a portion of the reflector 80 farther from the wall surface W is increased.