LED Frame Fixture with Asymmetric Diffusers to Reduce Glare and Shadows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED frame fixtures suffer from high glare and shadows at the interface between connected portions, which detract from their aesthetic appeal and uniform illumination.
Innovation Solution
The use of L-shaped diffusers with asymmetric transparency and connectors with transparent portions to direct more illumination inside the ceiling tile, combined with additional light sources at corners, to minimize glare and shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a U-shaped diffuser is used in conventional LED frame fixtures, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it causes high glare appearance especially at high angles and creates shadows at the corner where frame pieces connect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the diffuser shape from a symmetric U-shape to an asymmetric L-shape with specific transparent and opaque portions. The L-shaped diffuser has a first portion that is transparent and a second portion that is opaque, creating asymmetric light distribution that directs light away from the ceiling tile surface (reducing glare) and toward the interior space. This asymmetric configuration also eliminates shadows at frame piece connections by strategically positioning the transparent portion at the corner joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different portions of the diffuser have different optical properties. Specifically, the L-shaped diffuser has a first portion that is transparent and a second portion that is opaque, allowing light to pass through selectively in different areas. This local differentiation enables the diffuser to control light distribution locally - allowing light through where needed (at corners for shadow elimination) and blocking it where glare would occur (at the ceiling tile interface).
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LED frame fixtures are assembled with multiple frame pieces, then the fixture can be installed around ceiling tiles of various sizes, but shadows or breaks in illumination occur at the connection interfaces between frame pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped diffuser's asymmetric design with transparent and opaque portions strategically positioned at the corners creates continuous light flow across frame piece joints. The transparent portion at the corner allows light to pass through the joint area, eliminating the shadow effect that would normally occur at the interface between frame pieces. This maintains uniform illumination while preserving the modular assembly capability for different ceiling tile sizes.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are directed toward the ceiling tile surface, then illumination coverage is maximized, but glare appearance is increased especially at high angles
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped diffuser applies local quality by having different transparency properties in different portions. The first portion is transparent to allow light transmission, while the second portion is opaque to block light. This local differentiation redirects light away from the ceiling tile surface where it would create glare, while still maintaining illumination coverage in the interior space through the transparent portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of optical property changes by transitioning from a uniformly transparent U-shaped diffuser to an L-shaped diffuser with selective transparent and opaque portions. This change in optical properties (from all-transparent to selectively transparent/opaque) controls light direction and distribution, reducing glare on the ceiling tile surface while maintaining effective illumination coverage.
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 design enhances the aesthetic appeal and uniformity of illumination by reducing glare and shadows, providing a more continuous and decorative lighting effect.
Implementation Method 1
The L-shaped diffuser 111 includes a diffuser body 119 that is asymmetric in transparency to direct more illumination 117 from the light sources 115A-N to inside 121 the ceiling tile 109 than outside 123 the ceiling tile 109
Implementation Method 2
The connector 135 includes a substantially opaque portion 137 below the circuit board 113 and a substantially transparent portion 139 above the circuit board 113 to allow illumination 117 to pass between the adjoining frame pieces 107A-B
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture includes a frame that includes a plurality of frame pieces configured for assembly around a ceiling tile to form the light fixture. Each of the plurality of frame pieces include an L-shaped diffuser and a circuit board that includes a plurality of light sources to emit illumination. The L-shaped diffuser includes a diffuser body that is asymmetric in transparency to direct more illumination from the light sources to inside the ceiling tile than outside the ceiling tile. The diffuser body includes an outside wall that is substantially opaque, an inside wall that is at least partially substantially transparent, and a bottom wall that is substantially transparent. The light fixture can further include a connector to connect adjoining frame pieces together, which includes a substantially opaque portion below the circuit board and a substantially transparent portion above to allow illumination to pass between the adjoining frame pieces.