Lighting Unit Nanoparticle Diffuser Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lighting systems with strong directivity light sources, when positioned off-center, result in increased thickness due to the angle of light irradiation, making them bulkier and less efficient in diffusing light effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit with a diffusive body containing nanoparticles that scatter light, allowing for a higher correlated color temperature and reducing the thickness by separating the emission regions for diffuse and illuminating light, simulating a blue sky and sunlight respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is positioned off-center to emit light at an angle for diffusion, then light diffusion effectiveness is improved, but the thickness of the lighting fixture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into functionally independent modules: a light guide plate that distributes light laterally, a reflective plate positioned at the edge to redirect light, and a diffuser layer with nanoparticles. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function within a compact thickness, eliminating the need for angled light source positioning that would increase overall fixture thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical light path (requiring thickness for angled irradiation) to a lateral light distribution approach. The light guide plate distributes light horizontally across the fixture, and the reflective plate at the edge redirects this laterally-traveling light downward, effectively utilizing the horizontal dimension to achieve diffusion without increasing vertical thickness.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is positioned off-center, then light can be irradiated at an angle for diffusion, but the overall device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The light guide plate serves both as a light distribution medium and a structural element that defines the fixture's shape. The reflective plate is positioned at the edge to simultaneously provide light reflection and structural support. The diffuser layer with nanoparticles is integrated into the existing structure, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate performs multiple functions: it guides light from the centrally-positioned source, distributes light laterally across the fixture, and serves as a structural component. The reflective plate provides both light reflection and edge support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure compared to systems requiring separate angled positioning mechanisms.
3Illumination intensity
If a diffusive body with nanoparticles is used to scatter light, then light scattering effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal parameter ranges for the nanoparticles (size: 1-100 nm, concentration: 0.1-10 wt%) to achieve effective light scattering while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. By defining these parameter ranges, the patent balances scattering effectiveness with the practical constraints of manufacturing precision, ensuring that nanoparticle distribution can be controlled within achievable tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite diffuser layer combining nanoparticles with a transparent matrix material. This composite structure provides the scattering functionality while the matrix material maintains structural integrity and facilitates uniform nanoparticle distribution during manufacturing. The composite approach mitigates the manufacturing precision challenges associated with pure nanoparticle systems by providing a stabilizing medium.
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 enables a thinner, more efficient lighting unit that effectively simulates a blue sky and sunlight, maintaining high color temperature and reducing bulkiness while maintaining natural light impressions.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusive part that includes nanoparticles, guides the entered first light and makes the first light be scattered by the nanoparticles into first scattered light
Implementation Method 2
The base body 12 includes a diffuse light generation body 20. The diffuse light generation body 20 works as a Rayleigh diffuser, absorbs substantially no light in the visible light region, and more efficiently diffuses colliding light at shorter wavelengths compared to long wavelength components
Implementation Method 3
a first reflecting surface that reflects the first light guided without being scattered by the nanoparticles into first reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting unit includes a first light source to emit first light; and a diffusive body including a first incidence surface that allows the first light to enter, a diffusive part that includes nanoparticles, guides the entered first light and makes the first light be scattered by the nanoparticles into first scattered light, and an emission surface that emits the first scattered light, wherein the first incidence surface is formed on a first edge part of the diffusive body, the first scattered light is emitted from a first region of the emission surface, and a correlated color temperature of the first scattered light is higher than a correlated color temperature of the first light.