Luminaire Protector Light Absorbing Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor luminaires struggle to effectively reduce light pollution, particularly due to reflections from the bottom of luminaire protectors, which contribute to upward light emissions, and current solutions often increase the size and cost of the luminaire head.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire assembly with a protector that features a transparent or translucent peripheral wall and a light-absorbing surface, designed to absorb more than 80% of visible light, reducing upward light pollution by incorporating a matt black layer or high absorption material, which can be integrated into existing protectors without redesign, and optionally includes a light-absorbing circumferential wall to address light emitted at large incident angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent or translucent protector is used to protect the light source, then the light source is protected from environmental influences, but light reflections from the bottom of the protector cause upward light pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the bottom surface of the protector light-absorbing (matte black or light-absorbing coating) while keeping the rest of the protector transparent or translucent. This localized treatment absorbs upward-directed light reflections at the bottom surface, preventing light pollution, while maintaining visibility and protection functions of the overall protector structure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If large hat-shaped elements are used to reduce upward beams, then light pollution is reduced, but the size and cost of the luminaire head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the bottom surface by applying a light-absorbing coating or using a matte black material, which fundamentally alters how light interacts with that surface. Instead of using large physical structures to block light, the solution changes the reflective properties of the existing bottom surface, absorbing upward light reflections and reducing light pollution without increasing size or complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If reflectors are used to reflect light only in desirable directions, then light distribution is improved, but light reflections from the protector bottom still cause upward light emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light reflections from the bottom surface into a beneficial effect by applying a light-absorbing coating. The bottom surface, which would normally reflect light upward and cause pollution, is transformed into a light-absorbing element that actively reduces upward light emissions. This turns the problematic reflective surface into a solution for light pollution control.
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 significantly reduces upward light pollution while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design, ensuring compliance with light pollution regulations by absorbing a substantial portion of light reflections and emissions, thus enhancing the performance and efficiency of outdoor lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
the light absorbing surface being configured such that in use part of the light emitted from the light source is absorbed by the light absorbing surface to reduce upward light pollution
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to luminaire assemblies with reduced light pollution. One embodiment includes a luminaire assembly that includes a light source. The luminaire assembly also includes a support for carrying the light source. Additionally, the luminaire assembly includes a protector for protecting the light source from external environmental influences. The protector has an open top for accommodating the support, a bottom facing the light source, and a peripheral wall between the open top and the bottom. The peripheral wall includes a transparent or translucent portion. The light source is configured to send light in use through the portion of the peripheral wall. The protector is provided with a light absorbing surface arranged inside of the protector and facing the light source. The light absorbing surface is configured such that in use part of the light emitted from the light source is absorbed by the light absorbing surface.