Single Chamber Lighting Device with Light Mixing Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor-based lighting devices exhibit non-uniform light distribution patterns due to directed light emission, unlike incandescent bulbs which provide homogeneous illumination, and existing solutions fail to replicate the omnidirectional light distribution of incandescent bulbs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a light mixing chamber defined by a housing and reflector, where the direct light from the source is reflected to achieve omni-directional spreading, using a rotationally symmetric, hollow chamber with a partly transparent reflector and diffusely transparent housing, and multiple light sources mounted on a single substrate to tune luminosity distribution, while the reflector also serves as a cooling element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If semiconductor based lighting devices are used, then energy efficiency is improved and lifetime is extended, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light mixing chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the semiconductor light source and the external environment. This chamber contains multiple light sources and uses reflective surfaces to redirect and redistribute the light, transforming the directed emission pattern into a more uniform omnidirectional distribution that resembles incandescent bulb behavior while maintaining LED efficiency advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device is segmented into distinct functional zones within the light mixing chamber, including different reflective surfaces positioned at specific orientations and multiple light sources arranged in particular configurations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light paths and distribution patterns to achieve uniform overall illumination
2Use of energy by moving object
If directed light emission is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but light distribution pattern deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light distribution is transformed from a one-dimensional directed beam along the optical axis to a three-dimensional omnidirectional pattern by utilizing reflective surfaces at multiple orientations within the mixing chamber. This dimensional expansion of light propagation achieves uniform distribution in all directions while preserving the energy efficiency of directed LED emission
3Shape
If light mixing chamber shape is changed, then physical appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design allows for parameter changes in the light mixing chamber geometry, including variations in chamber shape, size, and reflective surface configurations. These parameter modifications enable adaptation to different aesthetic requirements and application scenarios while maintaining the core functional principle of light redistribution, thus balancing appearance optimization with manufacturing feasibility
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 an improved luminous intensity distribution resembling incandescent bulbs, maintaining uniformity across various physical shapes and reducing glare, with enhanced energy efficiency and longer lifespan compared to prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
The direct light emitted from the light source is reflected away from the optical axis towards the housing in order to achieve an omni-directional spreading of the light
Implementation Method 2
the reflector may be partly transparent. Using a partly transparent reflector allows light to be transmitted through the reflector into an area where light normally is blocked
Implementation Method 3
the housing may comprise at least a portion being diffusely transparent or translucent
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A lighting device (1) for providing a homogeneous luminous intensity distribution in relation to an optical axis of the lighting device (1), the lighting device (1) comprising: at least one light source (7); a housing (3) arranged to enclose the at least one light source (7), the housing (3) comprising an at least partly transparent housing portion being arranged in parallel to the optical axis of the lighting device (1); and a reflector (4) arranged inside the housing (3), the housing (3) and the reflector (4) together defining a single light mixing chamber (6), wherein the reflector (4) is arranged to reflect light from the at least one light source (7) away from the optical axis of the lighting device (1) towards the at least partly transparent housing portion.