LED Rail Node Lighting Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting solutions for warehouse storage racks, such as linear fluorescent lamps and high-intensity discharge (HID) light sources, face challenges in achieving uniform illumination, with issues like glare, shadows, and inefficiencies in light delivery, particularly due to the size and spacing of the light fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A linear rail and node lighting system with discreet light sources and an elongated optical element that provides a tailored photometric distribution for aisle and shelf applications, incorporating control, sensing, and communication circuitry, allowing for localized control and power sharing between nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If linear fluorescent lamps are used for aisle lighting, then uniform illumination along the aisle is achieved, but light delivery efficiency and top-to-bottom uniformity on racks deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The linear fluorescent lamp is segmented into multiple discrete LED modules arranged along the aisle. Each module acts as an independent light source with controlled photometric distribution, allowing optimization of both uniformity along the aisle and targeted illumination on rack surfaces, thereby improving overall light delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The LED modules are designed with asymmetric photometric distributions tailored to illuminate specific rack zones. By varying the beam direction and intensity of individual modules, the system achieves uniform aisle illumination while simultaneously optimizing top-to-bottom uniformity on rack surfaces, reducing energy waste
2Use of energy by moving object
If HID light sources are used, then high lumen output and cost effectiveness are achieved, but glare and strong shadows are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The single HID source is replaced with multiple discrete LED modules distributed along the aisle. This segmentation eliminates the concentrated glare and harsh shadows produced by HID while maintaining high total lumen output through the cumulative effect of multiple smaller sources
Solution Approach 2:
The LED modules incorporate controllable photometric distributions that can be dynamically adjusted to eliminate glare and shadows. The asymmetric optics and individual module control allow real-time optimization of light delivery to minimize harmful effects while maintaining efficiency
3Illumination intensity
If fluorescent lamps are mounted in end-to-end format, then uniform illumination is improved, but size and weight burden installation and purchase price
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple small LED modules instead of a single long fluorescent lamp. These modular units are significantly lighter and easier to install while achieving the same uniform illumination effect through their distributed arrangement along the aisle
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple discrete LED modules are combined to create the equivalent lighting function of a long fluorescent lamp. The modules share common mounting infrastructure and control systems, reducing overall installation complexity and cost despite the increased number of individual light sources
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 system achieves improved uniformity and efficiency in lighting, reducing glare and shadows while optimizing energy use by providing tailored illumination based on occupancy and daylight harvesting, enhancing both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lighting solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink can be provided within the rail for thermal management of the LEDs
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink can be provided within the rail for thermal management of the LEDs
Implementation Method 3
An elongated optical element can be included within the rail that can provide a photometric distribution tailored toward aisle and shelf applications
Implementation Method 4
An elongated optical element can be included within the rail that can provide a photometric distribution tailored toward aisle and shelf applications
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide for a linear lighting system with a plurality of discrete light sources. Other embodiments of the invention include heat dissipation techniques and apparatus for a linear light system. Other embodiments of the invention include a two component lighting system that includes rails and nodes. In some embodiments, the lighting and control aspects can be divided between the rail and node. In yet other embodiments a linear lens providing a unique photometric distribution is provided.