Kick Reflector Positioning for Uniform Wall Wash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall wash luminaires with kick reflectors face challenges in fitting into frames due to the bulge caused by the reflector, leading to a different appearance compared to standard downlights, and existing solutions either shrink the downlight or block light, making them visually distinct.
Innovation Solution
A kick reflector is positioned completely inside the downlight cone, made of clear materials or with an open air gap behind it, allowing light to pass through and creating a uniform appearance similar to standard downlights by blending the reflector's edge with the cone's brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a kick reflector is used to achieve uniform wall illumination, then wall wash quality is improved, but the luminaire appearance becomes different from standard downlights
Solution Approach 1:
The kick reflector is extracted from the traditional position that creates a visible bulge and repositioned completely inside the downlight cone. This extraction allows the reflector to maintain its wall-washing function while hiding it within the cone structure, preserving the standard downlight appearance from the room side.
Solution Approach 2:
The kick reflector is nested inside the downlight cone, with the reflector positioned within the cone's internal volume. This nesting arrangement allows the kick reflector to function internally while the external appearance remains that of a standard downlight cone, resolving the contradiction between functional performance and aesthetic appearance.
2Illumination intensity
If a kick reflector bulges outward to kick light higher up the wall, then wall wash uniformity is improved, but fitting into frame becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The kick reflector is extracted from the outward-bulging configuration and repositioned completely inside the downlight cone. This eliminates the external bulge that interferes with frame fitting, while the internal positioning maintains the reflector's ability to redirect light upward for uniform wall illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The kick reflector is nested within the downlight cone's internal volume, eliminating external protrusions. This nesting allows the luminaire to fit cleanly into standard frames and housings while the reflector continues to perform its wall-washing function by redirecting light higher up the wall.
3Ease of manufacture
If the downlight cone is shrunk to accommodate the kick reflector, then fitting into frame is improved, but flange width becomes different from standard downlights
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shrinking the downlight cone to accommodate the kick reflector, the approach is inverted: the kick reflector is positioned inside the standard-sized cone. This maintains the standard flange width and external dimensions, allowing consistent appearance and proper frame fitting without modification to the cone size.
4Ease of manufacture
If the kick reflector is attached inside the downlight cone, then fitting into frame is improved, but light blocking occurs modifying the light pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The kick reflector is positioned at a specific location inside the downlight cone where it does not block the central light path. By placing the reflector in the appropriate zone within the cone, light can pass through the opening unaffected, maintaining a clean circular light pattern, while the reflector still redirects some light upward for wall washing.
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 allows for seamless fitting into frames and a uniform light distribution, making the luminaire appear similar to standard downlights from below, eliminating the visual distinction and glare issues.
Implementation Method 1
a kick reflector 330 that bulges out the side and 'kicks' the light higher up the wall
Implementation Method 2
The kick reflector 500 includes a clear material 510 (such as acrylic), a front layer 520 that is reflective on both sides
Data Source
AI summary
Inventive methods and apparatus for providing an open wall wash luminaire designed to allow a small amount of light to go behind the luminaire kick reflector, resulting in the kick reflector being less noticeable by an occupant of the room when light is being provided by the luminaire.