Lighting Method for Uniform Wallwashing with Segmented Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting solutions for wallwashing struggle to achieve uniform illuminance distribution over large surfaces, often requiring distant placement of lighting devices and are limited in the extension of uniformly lit regions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting method employing a linear array of light radiation emitters with integrated light guide members and optical systems, such as lenses, that allow for tilting and adjustment to achieve high uniformity on surfaces up to 16 meters tall, using a combination of emitters placed close to the surface and employing a modular structure with asymmetrical radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple optical system with a flat reflector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illuminance uniformity deteriorates and the device must be placed at a remarkable distance (up to 3 meters or more) from the illuminated surface
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is segmented into multiple zones (first reflective zone, second reflective zone, third reflective zone) with different orientations and functions. Each zone directs light to specific regions of the illuminated surface, allowing complex light distribution patterns to be achieved through simple geometric segmentation rather than a single complex optical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from considering only the horizontal placement distance to incorporating the vertical dimension by tilting the entire device relative to the illuminated surface. This angular dimension provides an additional degree of freedom to achieve uniform illuminance without increasing horizontal distance, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving performance.
2Illumination intensity
If a dedicated optical system with complex refraction or reflection elements is employed, then the illuminance uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases and the extension of uniformly lit regions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple functional zones (first reflective zone for directing light to lower regions, second reflective zone for intermediate regions, third reflective zone for upper regions) with different orientations. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function using simple geometric surfaces rather than complex optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable tilt and rotation mechanisms that allow the entire assembly to be dynamically oriented. This dynamic capability enables the same simple optical structure to adapt to different installation scenarios and achieve uniform illuminance across various surface orientations and distances without requiring complex fixed optical systems.
3Ease of operation
If the lighting device is placed close to the illuminated surface, then the device complexity and installation space are reduced, but the illuminance uniformity deteriorates due to marked distribution variations
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the tilt angle as an additional dimensional parameter, the system can achieve uniform illuminance at close distances. The tilted orientation redistributes the light projection pattern, effectively using the angular dimension to compensate for the reduced horizontal distance, thereby maintaining simplicity and installation convenience while achieving uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented reflector zones are specifically designed to work in conjunction with the tilted orientation. Each zone's geometry is optimized to direct light appropriately when the device is tilted, ensuring that even at close placement distances, the segmented structure can compensate for the proximity effect and maintain illuminance uniformity.
4Illumination intensity
If the lighting device is placed at a distance of 3 meters or more from the illuminated surface, then the illuminance uniformity improves, but the extension of uniformly lit regions is limited and the installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable tilt and rotation mechanisms provide dynamic adaptability, allowing the device to be optimized for different installation scenarios. Whether placed close or far from the surface, the device can be oriented to achieve uniform illuminance, thereby extending the range of effectively lit regions while maintaining installation flexibility and eliminating the need for fixed 3-meter placement.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the angular dimension through tilting, the system expands its effective working range. The tilt capability allows the device to achieve uniform illuminance at various distances and orientations, effectively extending the lit region extension without requiring the device to be placed at a fixed distant position, thereby improving adaptability.
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
Enables high uniformity illuminance on tall walls with devices placed as close as 0.75 to 2 meters away, maintaining uniformity even with misalignments, and allows for flexible placement to achieve uniformity on surfaces up to 16 meters in height.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide member (14) having a first end (14a) coupled with the light radiation source to receive a light radiation therefrom, and a second end (14b) to emit light radiation guided by the light guide member
Implementation Method 2
an optical system (16) to receive light radiation from the light guide member and project outgoing light radiation from the lighting device
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A lighting device, e.g. for wallwashing lighting applications, includes a linear array of light radiation emitters (10) including a light radiation source, e.g. a LED source (12), a light guide member (14) having a first end coupled with the radiation source and a second end (14b) to emit light radiation guided by the guide member (14) along a guide axis, as well as an optical system (16) to receive light radiation from the light guide member (14) and project outgoing light radiation from the lighting device (100). The light guide members (14) of the light radiation emitters (10) in the array are arranged with their second ends aligned in a longitudinal direction (z) of the array, and with their light guide axes lying in a common plane angled to a reference plane. The optical systems (16) of the light radiation emitters (10) in the array produce outgoing light radiation beams having higher angles to said reference plane than the corresponding input beams.