Light Fixture Modular Optics for Adjustable Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light fixtures using LEDs often fail to achieve satisfactory light distribution, particularly in applications where a change in light distribution is desired without altering the entire fixture.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a circuit board with LEDs, secondary optics to bundle light, and tertiary optics with pre-calculated microstructures to control light direction, allowing for adjustable light distribution using standardized parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standardized light fixture parts are used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but light distribution precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into modular components: a standardized base unit containing the light source and primary optics, and interchangeable secondary optical units that can be attached to modify light distribution. This segmentation allows the use of standardized parts for the base unit while providing precision control through specialized optical attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs adjustable optical parameters through interchangeable secondary optics with different optical characteristics (lens focal lengths, reflector geometries, diffuser patterns). By changing the optical parameters of the secondary units while keeping the base unit standardized, the system achieves precise light distribution control without increasing manufacturing complexity of the core components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire light fixture is modified to change light distribution, then light distribution adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture system is segmented into a permanent base unit and interchangeable secondary optical units. The base unit contains standardized components (light source, mounting structure), while the secondary units contain different optical elements (lenses, reflectors, diffusers). This allows adaptability through simple attachment/detachment of secondary units without modifying the entire fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized base unit is designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of secondary optical units. A single base unit can serve multiple functions by accepting different secondary optics for various lighting applications (spotlight, floodlight, accent lighting), thereby achieving versatility without increasing overall device complexity.
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
Enables precise control over light distribution, allowing the same light fixture to function as both a spotlight and a floodlight by changing only the tertiary optics, maintaining identical exterior construction and parts.
Implementation Method 1
The LEDs already comprise primary optics. They may, for example a lens body formed from a transparent plastic or similar material that has been mounted directly on the LED
Implementation Method 2
Secondary optics are formed by one or more lenses that are translucent and have exactly calculated boundary surface paths in order to bundle the light emitted by the LEDs. In particular the secondary optics serve to transmit the light emitted by the LEDs substantially on parallel light paths
Implementation Method 3
The tertiary optics are translucent, e.g. they generally permit light to pass through them. Due to the light-directing microstructures provided according to the invention, however, a direction of the light occurs.
Implementation Method 4
Light-directing microstructures in the sense of the present patent application include all surface structures incorporated into one or both outer faces of the element. They may be previously calculated and predetermined to a very exact degree, and may be machined into a mold. In particular, the microstructures may have facets, the light-directing outer faces of which are formed by concave domed surfaces, or by planar surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention shows and describes, among others, a light fixture (10) for illuminating building surfaces, comprising a circuit board (11) on which a plurality of LEDs (12a, 12b, 12c) are mounted, secondary optics (14) that bundle the light emitted by the LEDs, and tertiary optics (16) formed by a planar, translucent element that has light-directing microstructures.