Louvered Optics for Linear Lighting Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear lighting systems with broad beam angles, typically around 120°, lack sufficient control over the shape and width of the emitted light, necessitating additional optical solutions that may not be sufficient in all applications.
Innovation Solution
A linear luminaire design featuring a channel with sidewalls and a floor, where a strip of linear lighting is integrated with individual optics and a set of cylindrical louvers that direct and constrain light, combined with a channel cover to protect against dust and foreign matter, allowing for precise control over beam width and reduction of spill light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical lenses are used to narrow the beam of light, then beam control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The louver assembly is divided into multiple individual louvers (typically 3-5) spaced along the length of the linear lighting strip. Each louver independently controls light from its corresponding LED section, allowing segmented beam control without requiring complex integrated optical systems. This segmentation enables simpler individual components to achieve the same effect as a complex unified optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex curved optical lenses that manipulate light in multiple dimensions, the invention uses planar louver blades that control light primarily in the vertical dimension. The louvers are flat or slightly curved surfaces arranged in a linear array, simplifying the optical control mechanism from three-dimensional lens systems to two-dimensional planar elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is made translucent to protect the linear lighting, then protection is improved, but light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple sections with gaps between them, allowing light to pass through while still providing protection. The cover consists of discrete panels or segments rather than a continuous translucent shield, enabling selective light transmission while maintaining protective function against dust and foreign matter.
Solution Approach 2:
The louver assembly acts as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment. The louvers control and direct light before it reaches the cover, allowing the cover to be less translucent or more protective without significantly impacting overall light transmission. The louvers pre-condition the light path, reducing the cover's burden to transmit all light effectively.
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 provides a linear luminaire with controlled beam widths, reducing glare and spill light, while maintaining protection from dust and foreign matter, and allowing for interchangeable louver configurations to adapt to various lighting needs.
Implementation Method 1
The individual louvers are arranged such that an individual louver is positioned over each one of the LED light engines... such that they direct, contain, and constrain light emitted by the LED light engines
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, the interior surface of the louvers may have a relatively rough surface finish, which may help to attenuate incident light
Implementation Method 3
The channel is covered with a channel cover, which has edges that extend out over at least a portion of the channel sidewalls, making it more difficult for dust and other foreign matter to enter the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A linear luminaire is disclosed. The linear luminaire includes a channel, in which a strip of linear lighting is disclosed. The strip of linear lighting may have an individual optic positioned over each LED light engine. A set of louvers is provided. The set of louvers is arranged such that an individual louver is positioned over each one of the LED light engines. The individual louvers are generally cylindrical in shape. The individual louvers are connected by a web or platform that carries engaging structure allowing the set of louvers to snap or slide into the channel. The channel is covered with a channel cover, which has edges that extend out over at least a portion of the channel sidewalls, making it more difficult for dust and other foreign matter to enter the channel. The channel cover may be transparent.