Luminaire Housing with Diffuse Top and Specular Sides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid state light source-based troffer-type luminaires suffer from a dark stripe in the center due to opaque heat sinks, which is aesthetically unpleasing and reduces acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design with a diffusely reflecting top side and specularly reflecting lateral sides that directs light from solid state light sources upward, creating a uniform light distribution without a dark stripe, using a housing with a diffusely reflecting top side and at least one specularly reflecting lateral side extending downward, along with light source mounting surfaces for even illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an opaque heat sink is used beneath solid state light sources, then heat dissipation is achieved, but a dark stripe appears in the center of the fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat sink from its traditional opaque position beneath the light sources and replaces it with an open structure. The reflective surface is positioned to provide both heat reflection and aesthetic visibility, eliminating the dark stripe while maintaining thermal management functionality through the open design that allows heat dissipation without blocking light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical properties of the surface by using a reflective finish instead of an opaque dark heat sink. The reflective surface redirects light away from the center area, preventing the formation of a dark stripe and creating a more uniform light distribution across the fixture while still managing heat through its open structure.
2Power
If solid state light sources are arranged in stripes down the center, then light emission is achieved, but a dark stripe appears through the center of the fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different areas of the fixture. The reflective surface is specifically positioned and angled to redirect light from the center stripe sources toward the edges, creating local variations in light distribution that result in overall uniformity. This localized optical manipulation prevents the dark stripe effect while maintaining efficient light emission from the solid state sources.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are used, then uniform light distribution is achieved, but solid state light sources are desired for energy efficiency and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element that mediates between the solid state light sources and the desired uniform light distribution. This reflective mediator redirects light from the center stripe sources to create edge illumination, achieving the uniform distribution characteristic of conventional fixtures while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of solid state lighting.
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 design provides a visually appealing, uniform light distribution across the viewing window, enhancing aesthetic appeal and user acceptance by eliminating the dark stripe typically found in solid state light source-based troffer-style luminaires.
Implementation Method 1
The top side then diffusely reflects the light downward, achieving a uniform light distribution without the presence of a dark stripe
Implementation Method 2
The lateral sides reflect light from the solid state light sources upward toward the top side
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire is provided, that includes a housing and a plurality of solid state light sources connected thereto. The housing has a top side, two lateral sides, a protrusion in the top side, and two light source mounting surfaces. The top side is diffusely reflecting and has opposing lateral edges and a center. The lateral sides are specularly reflecting and extend generally downward from the opposing lateral edges of the top side. Each has a respective bottom edge. The light source mounting surfaces extend laterally inward from the respective bottom edges. The plurality of solid state light sources is disposed along the pair of light source mounting surfaces proximate the pair of specularly reflecting lateral sides. These emit light, which travels upward to the top side and is also specuarly reflected by the lateral sides toward the top side. The top side diffusely reflects the light out of the luminaire.