Reduced Contrast LED Lighting System with Lens Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED lighting systems often exhibit visible contrast issues due to the arrangement of light sources and optical elements, leading to uneven illumination patterns, which can result in an unappealing and non-uniform light distribution in rooms.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of LED light sources and optical elements, including reflectors and lens plates, is designed to reduce visible contrast by strategically positioning LEDs on a heatsink with a lens arrangement that incorporates partially reflective and diffusive elements, along with light pipes and slots, to distribute light evenly across the fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If LED light sources are positioned directly on the heatsink without optical elements, then the lighting system is simple in structure, but visible contrast and uneven illumination occur
Solution Approach 1:
Optical elements (lens plates, reflectors, light pipes) are introduced as intermediary components between the LED light sources and the surrounding environment. These intermediaries redirect, diffuse, and distribute light to eliminate visible contrast and achieve uniform illumination while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional elements: lens plates for light redirection, reflectors for light concentration, and light pipes for light distribution. Each segment performs a specific function to collectively achieve uniform illumination without requiring complex integrated designs.
2Illumination intensity
If optical elements are added to distribute light evenly, then illumination uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are merged into integrated components. For example, lens plates combine light redirection and diffusion functions, while reflector arrays integrate light concentration and distribution. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall optical system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. Lens plates not only redirect light but also provide diffusion; reflectors both concentrate and distribute light; light pipes serve as both structural support and light distribution channels. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for dedicated components for each function.
3Device complexity
If LED light sources are centrally disposed on the heatsink, then the fixture structure is simplified, but visible contrast and non-uniform light distribution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements are strategically positioned at specific locations around the centrally disposed LED light sources. Lens plates are placed at particular angles to redirect light to specific areas, while reflectors are positioned to concentrate light in needed directions. This local optimization of light distribution maintains simple central fixture structure while achieving uniform overall illumination.
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 achieves a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing light pattern with reduced contrast, providing balanced illumination and improved color mixing, making the lighting system more effective and visually appealing.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the light from the LED light source strikes the reflector before leaving the fixture
Implementation Method 2
A lens arrangement for the fixture is configured to reduce contrast across at least a portion of the light fixture
Implementation Method 3
Such optical elements may allow for diffusion, localized mixing of colors, collimation of light, and/or beam shaping
Implementation Method 4
LED devices as the light source positioned on a mounting surface at or near a heatsink
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced contrast LED lighting system is disclosed. A plurality optical elements in a fixture is arranged to produce a light pattern with reduced visible contrast between the various areas where light can be perceived leaving the fixture. In some embodiments of the invention the LED light source is disposed at the reflector, and in some such embodiments a partially reflective lens plate is disposed opposite the LED light source. In some embodiments the LED light source is placed opposite the reflector. The lighting system can include a lens arrangement with a partially reflective lens plate connected to a heatsink, or two lens plates adjacent to the LED light source and the heatsink. The fixture can include a plurality of light pipes or slots to direct light into spaces between the lens plates and the heatsink.