Lighting System Reflective Element Adjusts Line Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for road surfaces, such as LED luminaires and road studs, face challenges including poor visibility in bad weather, excessive light pollution, inefficient energy use, and vulnerability to heavy traffic. Additionally, there is a need for improved configuration of light markings in terms of length, uniformity, and shape.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising a light generating unit with one or more light sources and an optical element, combined with a reflective element and adjusting units. The system projects a line of light onto a surface by reflecting the light beam with a larger opening angle, allowing for adjustable length and uniformity of the projected line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED luminaires or road studs are used to improve road surface visibility, then visibility is improved, but light pollution increases and energy use becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a reflective element that selectively reflects light only in the specific direction needed for road surface illumination. The reflective element has a specific geometric shape (e.g., V-shaped, concave, or convex) that concentrates reflected light onto the road surface while preventing light from spreading in unnecessary directions, thus reducing light pollution while maintaining effective road visibility.
2Length of moving object
If the projection path length is increased to obtain a longer line of light, then the length of the projected line increases, but the system requires positioning at greater height or distance from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curvature by using a reflective element with a curved surface (concave or convex) to alter the propagation path of light. The curved reflective surface causes light rays to diverge or converge in a controlled manner, effectively increasing the length of the projected line of light without requiring a proportional increase in the projection path length. This geometric approach allows the system to achieve longer projected lines at more practical installation heights.
3Area of stationary object
If the opening angle of the light beam is increased to improve coverage, then the area covered increases, but the uniformity of the projected line of light decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the geometric parameters of the reflective element (such as its shape, size, and orientation) to optimize the balance between coverage area and light uniformity. By adjusting parameters like the opening angle of the V-shaped reflector or the curvature radius of concave/convex surfaces, the system can achieve adequate coverage while maintaining relatively uniform light distribution across the projected line.
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 system achieves a longer and more uniform line of light without increasing the projection path length, enhancing visibility and flexibility for adapting to different road conditions and markings.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element is configured to receive light from the one or more light sources and to emit a first, line-shaped light beam with a first opening angle
Implementation Method 2
The reflective element is configured to receive the first light beam and to reflect the received first light beam towards the surface as a second light beam with a second opening angle, which is larger than the first opening angle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A lighting system is provided for projecting a line of light on a surface, as well as a luminaire pole comprising such a system and method for configuring such a lighting system to adjust the properties of the projected line of light. The lighting system comprises a light generating unit which comprised one or more light sources, and an optical element configured to receive light from the one or more light sources and to emit a first, line-shaped light beam with a first opening angle. The lighting system further comprises a reflective element configured to receive the first light beam and to reflect the received first light beam towards the surface as a second light beam with a second opening angle, which is larger than the first opening angle, in order to project a line of light on the surface. The system is provided with a first adjusting unit configured to adjust a distance between the optical element and the reflective element.