Lighting Apparatus With Centered And Off-Center Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting apparatuses that generate white light struggle to achieve adjustable correlated color temperature (CCT) with uniform light distribution without increasing optic size or reducing output intensity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a lighting apparatus with a centered light source and at least one off-center light source, each emitting light with different correlated color temperatures, arranged in specific geometric configurations to achieve adjustable CCT and improved light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a checkerboard pattern of light sources with different CCTs is used with a rotationally symmetric optic, then white light tuning with adjustable CCT is achieved, but the optic size increases and the light distribution appears as a checkerboard pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning light sources at non-uniform locations relative to the optic center. Specifically, light sources are arranged at different radial distances and angular positions rather than in a symmetric checkerboard pattern, allowing the optic to maintain a compact size while still achieving uniform light distribution and adjustable CCT through asymmetric light collection paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a checkerboard pattern of light sources with different CCTs is used with a rotationally symmetric optic, then white light tuning with adjustable CCT is achieved, but the light distribution appears as a checkerboard pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of light sources compensates for the inherent symmetry of the optic, creating a balanced light distribution pattern. By strategically placing light sources at asymmetric locations with different CCTs, the system achieves uniform overall illumination while maintaining CCT adjustability, eliminating the checkerboard pattern effect.
3Shape
If only one color is turned on at a time to achieve a more uniform light distribution, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but the amount of output light is reduced by a factor of two
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables all light sources to operate simultaneously rather than alternating between single-color modes. The asymmetric arrangement and optical design allow multiple light sources with different CCTs to contribute to the light distribution at the same time, maintaining uniformity while maximizing total light output through continuous combined action of all sources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different CCTs are arranged off-center to achieve adjustable CCT, then CCT adjustability is improved, but the light distribution becomes asymmetric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately uses asymmetric light source positioning to achieve a symmetric light distribution outcome. The asymmetric arrangement is calculated so that light paths from different positions converge to create a balanced, symmetric illumination pattern while maintaining the ability to adjust CCT by selectively activating different asymmetrically positioned 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
This configuration allows for adjustable CCT and increased light intensity while maintaining a uniform and symmetric light distribution, reducing the need for larger optics and minimizing dark spots.
Implementation Method 1
The first optic may be configured to use total internal reflection (TIR).
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are lighting apparatuses that have a centered light source and at least one off-center light source. According to certain embodiments, a lighting apparatus includes a first light fixture having a first light source arranged at a first position that is centered with respect to a first optical axis of a first optic, and a second light source arranged at a second position that is off-center with respect to the first optical axis of the first optic. The first optic is configured to receive light emitted by the first light source and the second light source.