Luminaire with Diffuse Reflector for Glare-Free Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminaires for combined direct and indirect illumination often cause dazzling effects and compromise aesthetic design due to reflective surfaces that direct light towards the observer, limiting the comfort and visual appeal of the lighting environment.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire with a half-shell-shaped body featuring a diffusely-reflecting first reflector portion and a light-impermeable cover part, where the second light beam bundle is enclosed by the first beam bundle, and adjustable aperture angles to prevent glare and enhance soft, pleasant illumination, using a second light source positioned behind the second light exit opening to minimize the second aperture angle and a beam-shaping element to focus light for direct illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If mirrors with reflective surfaces pointing towards the light exit opening are used to achieve indirect illumination, then the indirect lighting component is enhanced, but dazzling effects occur and aesthetic design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using mirrors that reflect light directly towards the observer (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using diffusely-reflecting surfaces that scatter light in multiple directions. The first reflector portion is configured to diffusely reflect light away from direct observer view, eliminating the dazzling effect while maintaining indirect illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different surface properties to different reflector portions - the first reflector portion has a diffusely-reflecting surface that scatters light, while the second reflector portion can have different optical properties. This surface characteristic differentiation resolves the contradiction by controlling how light interacts with each surface.
2Illumination intensity
If mirrors are used to deflect light for indirect illumination, then lighting functionality is achieved, but visibility of the mirrors limits aesthetic design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the reflective surfaces from conventional mirror finishes to diffusely-reflecting surfaces with different optical properties. This change in surface characteristics eliminates the visible mirror effect that limited aesthetic design while preserving the light-deflecting functionality for indirect illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If direct lighting with bright light beams is used to create a productive working atmosphere, then illumination intensity is improved, but glare and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination into two distinct components: direct illumination from the second light source for productive working atmosphere, and indirect illumination from the first light source for comfort. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the direct light provides necessary brightness while the diffused indirect light reduces overall glare.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic control of the lighting system, allowing adjustment between direct and indirect illumination components. This dynamic capability permits optimization of the lighting mix based on task requirements, providing bright direct light when productivity is needed while minimizing glare through the diffused indirect component.
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 comfortable and aesthetically pleasing lighting environment by preventing glare and creating soft shadows through diffused indirect illumination while ensuring effective direct illumination, allowing for adjustable light intensity and color temperature to suit various lighting needs.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusely-reflecting first reflector portion (10) arranged on an inner side (9) of the luminaire body (3)
Implementation Method 2
A second reflector portion (12) is arranged between the first light source (6) and the first light exit opening (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire comprises a first light exit opening for emitting light from at least two light sources. A diffusely-reflecting first reflector portion is arranged on an inner side of a luminaire body. A first light source is arranged in an edge portion of the luminaire body surrounding the first light exit opening. First light beams of the first light source are deflected towards the first reflector portion by a second reflector portion, so that said beams exit through the first light exit opening as a diffusely-reflected first light beam bundle. A second light source generates a second light beam bundle. The first light beams exit the luminaire body exclusively as first light beams reflected at the first reflector portion. A second light exit opening is surrounded by the first reflector portion. A second aperture angle of the second light beam bundle is smaller than the first aperture angle.