Light Guide with Shaded Regions for Patterned Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting products that use light guides for creating homogeneous light outputs often require a body on the surface for light extraction, which complicates the creation of patterns and detracts from aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A light guide with scattering elements and a solid state lighting element that emits a collimated beam, combined with a body such as a reflective, black, or color-filtering element to create shaded regions, allowing for pattern creation without surface bodies, with adjustable positioning for dynamic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a body is placed on the surface of the light guide for light extraction, then light patterns can be created, but the aesthetics of the light guide deteriorates due to the presence of surface bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light extraction function from the surface of the light guide by using scattering elements distributed throughout the bulk of the light guide material. This eliminates the need for surface-mounted extraction bodies, thereby maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the light guide while still enabling pattern creation through selective light extraction at different depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface-based light extraction to three-dimensional volumetric light extraction. By distributing scattering elements throughout the bulk of the light guide and using a collimated light beam that propagates through the volume, patterns can be created by controlling light extraction at different depths and positions within the light guide, enabling pattern creation without surface bodies.
2Ease of manufacture
If a body is placed on the surface of the light guide for light extraction, then light patterns can be created, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the light extraction function with the light guide material itself by incorporating scattering elements directly into the bulk of the light guide. This integration eliminates the need for separate surface-mounted extraction bodies and their associated mounting structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining pattern creation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide material serves multiple functions: it guides light from the light source, contains scattering elements for light extraction, and enables pattern creation through selective light blocking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated extraction bodies, reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a collimated light beam is used with a body to create shaded regions, then dynamic patterns can be created, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables dynamic pattern creation by allowing the collimated light beam to be moved or redirected within the light guide. The scattering elements are distributed throughout the bulk, allowing the beam to interact with different regions at different times, creating dynamically adjustable patterns without requiring precise static positioning of extraction bodies.
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 the creation of dynamic patterns and indicators within the light guide for both aesthetic and functional purposes, maintaining transparency and enhancing the product's appearance by allowing the background to be visible when unlit.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide comprising a plurality of scattering elements for producing a substantially homogeneous light output across said luminous surface
Implementation Method 2
a first solid state lighting element arranged to emit light into the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a product comprising a luminous surface, the product comprising a light guide (10) providing said luminous surface, said light guide comprising a plurality of scattering elements (12) for producing a substantially homogeneous light output across said luminous surface; and a first solid state lighting element (20) arranged to emit a beam of light (30) into the light guide; wherein the light guide further comprises a body (40) arranged to create a region (50) in the light guide shaded from said beam.