LED Luminaire Diffuser Teeth for Gradated Shadow Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Luminaires with LED light sources cast shadows with abrupt transitions between illuminated and shadowed areas, differing from the more gradated transitions of fluorescent tube light sources, which can be undesirable for consumers familiar with traditional lighting fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design featuring a housing with a diffuser structure having a non-linear edge or V-shaped linear diffuser structure with teeth, which creates a gradient between illuminated and shadowed areas by adjusting the light transition, mimicking the shadow characteristics of fluorescent tube light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED light sources are used in luminaires, then energy efficiency is improved, but shadow transition characteristics deteriorate (abrupt transitions instead of gradated transitions)
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser structure is segmented into multiple teeth or prisms that subdivide the light beam. Each tooth creates a localized diffusion effect, and the collective arrangement produces an overall gradated shadow transition. This segmentation transforms the abrupt shadow edge from point sources into a gradual transition zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser structure acts as an intermediary element positioned between the LED light sources and the target surface. It mediates the light propagation by refracting and dispersing rays, converting the direct sharp shadows into softened gradated transitions while preserving the LED energy efficiency advantage.
2Shape
If a diffuser structure is added to create gradated shadow transitions, then shadow characteristics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it creates gradated shadow transitions, maintains light output distribution, and can be integrated into existing luminaire housings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser structure utilizes changes in geometric parameters (tooth spacing, height, angle) to control shadow transition characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the desired gradated effect is achieved without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems, keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
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 diffuser structure enhances the luminous efficacy and shadow gradient, providing a more desirable lighting effect that emulates traditional fluorescent tube light sources while maintaining the energy efficiency of LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
A luminaire design featuring a housing with a diffuser structure having a non-linear edge or V-shaped linear diffuser structure with teeth, which creates a gradient between illuminated and shadowed areas by adjusting the light transition
Implementation Method 2
The diffuser structure enhances the luminous efficacy and shadow gradient, providing a more desirable lighting effect that emulates traditional fluorescent tube light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire having a diffuser structure configured to adjust a shadow cast from one or more LED light sources such that the shadow cast has a gradated transition between an area of illumination and an area of shadow. Accordingly, diffuser teeth may be configured to cast a plurality of shadows from a plurality of LED light sources such that a complex overlap pattern of shadows from the plurality of LED light sources forms a shadow gradient between an area of illumination and an area in shade.