Low-Glare LED Lighting with Vertical Lens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based street lighting fixtures produce significant glare, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and dangerous, and existing solutions either do not sufficiently reduce glare or compromise light output efficiency by requiring distinct reflectors and lenses for each light output.
Innovation Solution
A low-glare LED-based lighting unit featuring a vertically extending array of individually aimed LEDs with at least one translucent inner lens that intersects the LED light output axis, reducing perceived glare while maintaining efficient light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LEDs are aimed directly toward the desired illumination area to achieve high light output efficiency, then light output efficiency is improved, but perceived glare increases making it dangerous and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple individually controllable LED modules arranged vertically, each with its own optical lens. This segmentation allows different portions of the light output to be independently directed and controlled, enabling the system to maintain high illumination efficiency while reducing glare through selective directional control of individual LED segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical lenses as intermediary elements between the LEDs and the illumination area. These lenses refract and redirect the light paths, allowing the LEDs to aim directly at the target area while the lenses modify the light distribution to reduce perceived glare, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of efficiency and comfort
2Object-affected harmful factors
If redirecting optical lenses and reflectors are used to aim LEDs away from the illumination area and redirect light, then perceived glare is reduced, but light output efficiency diminishes through light output reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical qualities to different parts of the lighting system by providing individually tailored optical lenses for each LED or group of LEDs. Each lens is optimized for its specific location and function, allowing localized control of light distribution that maintains overall efficiency while addressing glare issues in specific areas
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex reflector systems that bounce light indirectly to the target area, the patent inverts the approach by having LEDs aim directly at the illumination area with optical lenses that precisely control the light distribution pattern. This direct-aim approach with optical control eliminates the efficiency losses associated with multiple reflections
3Object-affected harmful factors
If distinct reflectors and optical lenses are designed for each distinct light output to reduce glare, then perceived glare is reduced, but device complexity increases requiring specifically designed components for each LED
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal optical lens designs that can be applied across multiple LED modules rather than requiring unique custom-designed components for each LED. The optical lenses are configured to work with standard LED packages and can be adjusted or positioned to achieve the desired light distribution patterns, reducing component variety while maintaining glare control effectiveness
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 effectively reduces perceived glare from LED-based lighting units while maintaining high light output efficiency, making it suitable for installations like post-top street lighting fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one translucent inner lens provided adjacent a plurality of the LEDs and intersecting the LED light output axis of a plurality of the LEDs, thereby reducing perceived glare emitted from the LED-based lighting unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods and apparatus for a low-glare LED-based lighting unit (110). The low-glare LED-based lighting unit (110) may have vertically extending LED support structure (120) and an array of individually aimed LEDs (133) coupled to the vertically extending LED support structure (120). At least one vertically extending translucent inner lens (150/260) may be provided adjacent a plurality of the LEDs (133) and intersect the LED light output axis (A) of a plurality of the LEDs (133).