LED Lighting Assembly with Edge Channel Circuitry and Patterning Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting sources, such as incandescent, metal halide, and fluorescent lights, are omnidirectional and often inefficient for providing uniform lighting, whereas LEDs are directional and require specific optics to optimize light distribution, particularly in applications like under-cabinet lighting to avoid glare and ensure uniform illuminance.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture design incorporating a metal frame with edge channels for driving circuitry, a set of LEDs, and a substantially flat optically transmissive panel assembly that converts AC power to DC and uses patterning optics to achieve a patterned luminous intensity distribution, including asymmetric and narrowed beam angles, to optimize light emission for specific lighting tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional omnidirectional lighting sources (incandescent, metal halide, fluorescent) are used, then lighting coverage is comprehensive in all directions, but uniformity of illuminance and control over light distribution pattern is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system segments the omnidirectional light output into controlled directional beams using multiple optical elements. The light source is divided into multiple zones, each with specific optical modifiers (lenses, reflectors, diffusers) that segment and direct light to achieve uniform illuminance distribution across the target area.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical intermediaries such as lenses, reflectors, and diffusers are introduced between the conventional omnidirectional light source and the target area. These intermediary optical elements modify the light distribution pattern, converting omnidirectional emission into controlled, uniform illuminance while maintaining compatibility with existing lighting sources.
2Loss of energy
If directional LED lighting is used, then energy efficiency and lifespan are improved, but glare and non-uniform light distribution occur without special optics
Solution Approach 1:
Optical intermediaries such as diffusers and beam-shaping lenses are positioned between the directional LED light source and the illuminated area. These intermediaries scatter and redistribute the directional LED output to eliminate glare while preserving the energy efficiency benefits of LED technology.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical treatments are applied to different regions of the light output. The optical system creates local variations in light distribution, with some areas receiving direct LED light for efficiency while other areas receive diffused or redirected light to eliminate glare, achieving both energy efficiency and comfort.
3Loss of energy
If directional LED lighting is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but uniformity of light distribution over the target area deteriorates without optical optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The directional LED output is segmented into multiple光束 (beams) using optical elements, with each segment directed to specific zones of the target area. This segmentation allows the system to maintain LED energy efficiency while achieving uniform overall illuminance distribution across the entire illuminated surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system transforms the point-source directional LED emission into a two-dimensional uniform illumination pattern. By using optical elements that spread light in multiple dimensions (lenses for focal distribution, diffusers for angular distribution), the system converts directional one-dimensional LED output into uniform two-dimensional area illumination while preserving energy efficiency.
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 provides efficient and uniform lighting with reduced glare, tailored to specific applications like under-cabinet and vanity lighting, enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of LED lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate receiving light from the set of light emitting diodes at an edge surface of the light guide plate
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser panel receiving light from the light guide plate
Implementation Method 3
the printed circuit board includes a metal heat sink backing mounted to the metal frame as a heat dissipating layer
Implementation Method 4
metal heat sink backing mounted to the metal frame as a heat dissipating layer
Data Source
AI summary
The light fixture includes a frame, an optically transmissive panel assembly, a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and driving circuitry. The frame has a frame length measured along a length axis and a frame width measured along a width axis, wherein the frame length is greater than the frame width. The optically transmissive panel assembly receives light from the set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and emits light from an emission area in a patterned luminous intensity, using patterning optics adjacent a light guide plate. The driving circuitry is disposed within the frame and is operatively coupled to the set of LEDs and to a power supply external to the light fixture. The driving circuitry may include a first circuitry segment disposed within a first edge channel of the frame, and a second circuitry segment disposed within a second edge channel of the frame.