Lighting Fixture Light Reflector Redirects Emitted Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED lighting fixtures lack efficient light distribution and repurposing of emitted light, leading to suboptimal illumination patterns and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a frame with panels and light guides that include receiving and emitting edges, supported by rails and a light reflector, allowing light to be redirected and emitted through a third panel, creating a mixing chamber for enhanced light distribution and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light is emitted directly from panels without reflection, then the lighting fixture structure is simple, but light distribution is inefficient and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
A light reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the light-emitting panels and the surrounding environment. The reflector captures light that would otherwise be wasted and redirects it through light guides to illuminate additional areas, thereby reducing energy loss without requiring a complete redesign of the fixture structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers light that would normally be discarded or wasted by implementing a reflector system. The reflector captures emitted light and redirects it through light guides to illuminate areas that would otherwise remain dark, effectively recovering and reusing light energy that would be lost.
2Illumination intensity
If light is emitted only from panel edges, then the manufacturing process is simple, but illumination coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from edge-only illumination (one-dimensional light emission) to surface illumination by configuring light guides to emit light from their entire front surface. This is achieved by positioning light sources adjacent to the light guides and utilizing total internal reflection to distribute light along the guide, then emitting it across the front surface area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are positioned to illuminate only adjacent panels, then the light source placement is simple, but light distribution pattern is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light reflector and light guide system enables light sources to serve multiple functions simultaneously. A single light source positioned adjacent to a light guide can illuminate not only the directly adjacent panel but also other panels through the reflected and redirected light path, making the lighting system more versatile and adaptable.
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 enables the repurposing of light emitted from panels, providing illumination at different locations and improving energy efficiency by redirecting light through a transparent or semi-transparent panel, enhancing light distribution and reducing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting fixture includes a light reflector extending adjacent to the rear surface of the first panel and the rear surface of the second panel. The light reflector reflects light emitted from at least one of the first panel and the second panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture defines a lateral direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction. The light fixture includes a frame and a first panel supported by the frame. The first panel includes a first edge extending between a front surface of the first panel and a rear surface of the first panel. The lighting fixture includes a second panel supported by the frame. The second panel includes a second edge extending between a front surface of the second panel and a rear surface of the second panel. The lighting fixture includes at least one light source configured to illuminate the first panel and the second panel. The lighting fixture includes a light reflector extending adjacent to the rear surface of the first panel and the rear surface of the second panel. The light reflector reflects light emitted from at least one of the first panel and the second panel.