Interior Lighting Panels for Window Contrast Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High contrast between interior and exterior lighting due to bright daylight entering through windows causes visual discomfort, fatigue, and unnecessary energy consumption from relying on artificial lighting when blinds or curtains are closed.
Innovation Solution
An interior lighting system comprising lighting panels mounted on opposite sides of windows, equipped with light sensors and controllers to adjust lighting levels based on exterior brightness, using reflectors or diffusive covers to balance the contrast and incorporate additional artificial lighting when necessary, while maintaining a visual connection to the outdoors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If blinds or curtains are closed to shield bright exterior light, then visual discomfort is reduced, but daylight entering the building is reduced and electric lights must be left on full power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wall lighting panels as an intermediary element between the window and the interior space. These panels receive exterior light through the window and redistribute it along the vertical walls, creating a gradual luminance transition that reduces visual discomfort without requiring blinds to be closed, thereby maintaining daylight harvesting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of blinds and curtains with an optical system consisting of lighting panels and light guides. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical obstruction while achieving the same visual comfort goal through optical redistribution of light
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blinds or curtains are closed to reduce contrast, then visual comfort is improved, but the view of the outside world is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting function into two separate components: the window maintains its primary function for visual contact with the outside, while the wall lighting panels provide the complementary function of contrast reduction. This segmentation allows both goals to be achieved simultaneously without compromising either
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lighting panels are added to reduce contrast, then visual comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as light guides to redistribute exterior light, provide ambient illumination to vertical walls, and reduce visual contrast. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems and justifies the added complexity through enhanced versatility
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
Reduces visual discomfort by minimizing contrast between window and wall lighting, allows for energy-efficient daylight harvesting, and enhances aesthetic and sound comfort by dynamically adjusting lighting levels and color temperature in response to exterior conditions.
Implementation Method 1
each lighting panel comprises a reflector for reflecting part of the exterior light which passes through the window to the vertical wall surface
Implementation Method 2
The diffusive cover is for example a semi-translucent material which allows some of the daylight to pass through the material to increase the brightness
Data Source
AI summary
An interior lighting system has arrangement of lighting panels mounted around a window for providing lighting around the outside of the window. The light provided depends on the exterior lighting which passes through the window. In this way, contrast between the window and the wall around the window can be reduced.