Light Vectoring Chamber for LED Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems using LEDs often result in bright spots due to direct light paths, and modifications like right-angle LEDs increase size and cost, while diffused lighting is desired for even illumination, and existing solutions fail to efficiently direct and diffuse light effectively.
Innovation Solution
A light vectoring apparatus that uses a chamber structure with a backing layer, coverlay layer, and transmission layer to redirect and diffuse light from LEDs, incorporating a direct transfer process for unpackaged LEDs to reduce thickness and manufacturing costs, and includes materials with varying light transmissivity levels to channel light in a specific direction and displace the emission position laterally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a diffusive substrate is positioned between the light source and the receiving surface, then diffused lighting is achieved, but a bright spot remains evident at the source location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light vectoring chamber as an intermediary structure between the LED light source and the receiving surface. This chamber contains reflective surfaces that mediate the light path, redirecting light away from the direct source location and distributing it more evenly across the surface, thereby eliminating the bright spot while maintaining diffused lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the light propagation dimension by using a three-dimensional chamber structure with reflective surfaces at various angles. Instead of light traveling in a straight line from source to surface, the chamber redirects light through multiple dimensions and angles, causing light to emerge from locations lateral to the source position and creating uniform illumination without bright spots.
2Ease of operation
If right-angle LEDs with additional structural features are used to direct light, then light direction control is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the LED itself to add directional control features, the patent uses the light vectoring chamber as an intermediary structure. The chamber contains reflective surfaces that perform the light direction control function externally, allowing the use of simple, small LEDs while achieving the same light direction control that would otherwise require bulky modified LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the light direction control function into the chamber structure itself. The reflective surfaces and chamber geometry are designed to work together with the LED to achieve directional light control, combining multiple functions (light containment, direction control, and distribution) into a single integrated structure rather than requiring separate components.
3Ease of operation
If right-angle LEDs with additional structural features are used to direct light, then light direction control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the light vectoring chamber as an intermediary that provides light direction control without requiring expensive modified LEDs. By placing standard, inexpensive LEDs within the chamber and using reflective surfaces to control light direction, the system achieves the same functional result at lower component cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inexpensive, standard LED components rather than expensive modified LEDs. The light direction control function is achieved through the chamber structure and reflective surfaces, allowing the use of simple, mass-producible LED components that reduce overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the desired light direction control performance.
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 apparatus achieves diffused and indirect lighting with reduced material usage and costs, minimizing bright spots and light losses, while maintaining effective illumination, by redirecting light through a chamber structure with varying transmissivity levels and using a direct transfer process for LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber structure of the apparatus vectors or directs (i.e., funnels, focuses, or channels) light in a first direction away from the light source and then redirects it in a second direction transverse to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
additional light altering materials may be included in the apparatus to assist in diffusing the light
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a coverlay layer having a void therein. A backing layer is disposed against a first side of the coverlay layer. A transmission layer is disposed against a second side of the coverlay layer opposite the first side such that a chamber is formed within the void between the transmission layer and the backing layer. The transmission layer includes a first area having a first level of light transmissivity and a second area having a second level of light transmissivity that is greater than the first level of light transmissivity. The transmission layer is oriented so that at least a portion of each of the first area and the second area overlaps the void. A light source is positioned in the chamber between the first area of the transmission layer and the backing layer.