Lighting Panel Uniformity via Segmented LED Subsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED lighting panels face challenges in achieving uniform light distribution across large areas without compromising acoustic dampening, leading to aesthetically and functionally inefficient non-uniformity.

Innovation Solution

The use of two subsets of solid-state lighting elements with different light intensity profiles, strategically arranged and adapted to generate beam profiles against a reflector structure, which are then blended to create a uniform light intensity distribution across the panel's output area, combined with an acoustically absorptive tile layer for effective sound dampening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single array of LED elements is used in a lighting panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light distribution uniformity across large areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting element arrangementVSAvoidlight distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED array is divided into multiple subsets (first subset and second subset) with different intensity profiles. Each subset contributes differently to the overall light distribution, allowing the combination to achieve uniformity across large panel areas while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different subsets of LED elements are assigned different local intensity characteristics. The first subset creates a first light intensity profile while the second subset creates a second light intensity profile, with each subset optimized for specific regions or patterns to achieve overall uniformity when combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If multiple subsets of LED elements with different intensity profiles are used, then the light distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidlighting element arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED array is segmented into multiple subsets with distinct intensity profiles. This segmentation allows each subset to be independently optimized and controlled, achieving uniform light distribution across large areas while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple subsets with different intensity profiles are merged into a single lighting panel system. The combination of these subsets produces a composite light distribution that achieves uniformity across large panel areas, with the merging strategy carefully designed to balance performance improvement against increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of moving object

If LED elements are arranged in arrays beneath a reflector, then the light output area is increased, but the light intensity uniformity across the window deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight output areaVSAvoidlight intensity uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Different subsets of LED elements are assigned different local intensity characteristics. The first subset creates a first light intensity profile while the second subset creates a second light intensity profile, with each subset optimized for specific regions to achieve overall uniformity when combined across the expanded output area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The intensity profiles of different LED subsets are varied to compensate for the non-uniform light distribution that naturally occurs when LED arrays are placed beneath reflectors. By changing the intensity parameters of different subsets, uniformity is achieved across the expanded light output area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If acoustic dampening elements are incorporated into lighting panels, then the acoustic insulation is improved, but the light distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic insulationVSAvoidlight distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED array is divided into multiple subsets with different intensity profiles, allowing the lighting system to achieve uniform light distribution even when acoustic dampening elements are present. This segmentation enables compensation for the non-uniform light distribution caused by acoustic tiles or layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intensity profiles of different LED subsets are adjusted to compensate for the light distribution non-uniformity introduced by acoustic dampening elements. By changing the intensity parameters strategically, uniformity is restored while maintaining the acoustic insulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach ensures a homogeneous light output across the panel's width and length, maintaining acoustic insulation while covering large ceiling areas with seamless aesthetic and functional uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector structure, having a reflective surface facing at least in part in the direction of the light output area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

it is often desirable that lighting panels themselves incorporate acoustically absorbing tiles or layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3243022B1Lighting panel adapted for improved uniformity of light output
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3243022B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3243022B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3243022B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention provides a lighting panel, for use for example within a modular surface system, comprising one or more strips of solid state lighting elements associated with a reflector structure. The lighting panel is adapted for improved uniformity of light intensity across the width of its output area. Lighting elements comprise two or more subsets, each subset adapted to collectively generate a different light intensity profile across the width of the panel output window. The subsets are selectively adapted to generate profiles which, when blended, mutually offset one another's deviations from some common mean intensity across the width of the output window, thereby generating a combined intensity profile of improved uniformity. Embodiments include arrangements in which subsets of lighting elements are adapted to have differing actual or virtual optical path lengths to the reflector surface. Also provided are embodiments further comprising an acoustically absorbing back surface, for providing an acoustic dampening function.