LED Lighting Array Assembly with Directional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor lighting fixtures, particularly those using light emitting diodes (LEDs), face challenges in controlling the direction and intensity of light output, leading to inefficiencies and unwanted light pollution, especially in applications like roadway and parking lot lighting where specific areas need to be illuminated while minimizing light in other directions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting fixture design featuring a plurality of emitter support members with emitters mounted on their outer surfaces, allowing for configuration to achieve desired lighting distribution patterns, combined with optical baffles to control the horizontal distribution of light and reduce glare and uplight pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional single source lamps (incandescent, fluorescent) are used, then initial cost is low, but light direction control is difficult and light is radiated in all directions causing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple independent LED emitters arranged in arrays on the tower structure. Each LED can be independently controlled to emit light in specific directions, replacing the single omnidirectional lamp source. This segmentation enables precise directional control while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular LED components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimension by mounting LED arrays on a tower structure with multiple horizontal surfaces at different heights. This three-dimensional arrangement allows light to be directed along the roadway in both directions while controlling vertical light distribution, adding spatial control capability that conventional single-source lamps lack.
2Device complexity
If conventional single source lamps are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but light is radiated all around the lamp causing energy loss and light pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by orienting LED emitters on specific faces of the tower structure to direct light primarily along the roadway. LEDs on vertical faces point horizontally, while LEDs on horizontal faces point vertically or at controlled angles. This localized directional control ensures light is emitted only where needed (along the roadway) rather than radiating uniformly in all directions, reducing energy waste and light pollution.
3Productivity
If LED arrays are configured to control light direction, then light efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for LED arrays, acts as a heat sink for thermal management, and functions as an optical platform with multiple oriented surfaces for directional light control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving efficient directional lighting control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mounting structure, heat dissipation system, and optical control elements into a single integrated tower assembly. The tower body itself serves as the heat sink while supporting LED arrays, eliminating the need for separate heat sinks and mounting brackets. This consolidation maintains device simplicity while enabling precise light direction control through the integrated structure.
4Illumination intensity
If emitters are positioned to maximize horizontal illumination, then roadway lighting is improved, but uplight pollution and glare to pedestrians increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable LED mounting angles and reconfigurable array configurations that allow dynamic optimization of light distribution. LED orientations can be adjusted to direct light primarily along the roadway while minimizing vertical components that cause uplight pollution. This dynamic configurability enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements while controlling harmful light effects.
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 enables precise control over light direction and intensity, improving efficiency by ensuring light is focused on desired areas while minimizing light pollution, thus enhancing optical performance and meeting specific lighting standards.
Implementation Method 1
light emitting diodes (LEDs or emitters)
Implementation Method 2
emitter technology is advancing rapidly
Implementation Method 3
optical baffles to control the horizontal distribution of light
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting array assembly has a plurality of support members facing different directions and on which emitters are mounted. Each support member has an emitter circuit thereon in operative association with at least one emitter and has a lighting center point. The emitters on each support member are positioned together around the lighting center point. The number of emitters mounted on each of the outer surfaces is determined by the light specified in each direction to meet the desired lighting distribution configuration in each direction. A method of configuring an emitter lighting array assembly includes selecting the desired lighting distribution configuration to achieve a desired lighting distribution.