Luminaire Lens Reflects Light Upward for Dual Direction Illumination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminaires often require additional light fixtures for uplighting, which is unfeasible due to installation and operational costs, making it difficult to illuminate overhead structures effectively.

Innovation Solution

A luminaire design that includes a housing with a light source configured for downward emission and a lens with an interior surface that reflects and transmits light upward, allowing for both downlighting and uplighting from a single downward-directed light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional light fixtures are installed for uplighting, then uplighting capability is improved, but installation cost and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplighting capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both downlighting (through the light source directly) and uplighting (through light reflected by the lens's interior surface). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate uplighting fixtures, reducing installation cost while maintaining uplighting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the downlighting function and uplighting function into a single luminaire unit. The light source and reflective lens work together in one integrated fixture to achieve both lighting directions, thereby reducing the total number of fixtures needed and lowering installation and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional light fixtures are installed for uplighting, then uplighting capability is improved, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplighting capabilityVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single luminaire provides both downlighting and uplighting functions, meaning one light source accomplishes what would traditionally require two separate fixtures. This reduces energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining full uplighting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens captures light that would otherwise be wasted or directed only downward and redirects a portion of it upward through internal reflection. This converts the limitation of a single downward-directed light source into a benefit by creating effective uplighting without additional energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If a single light source is used for both downlighting and uplighting, then device complexity is reduced, but light direction control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of light fixturesVSAvoidlight direction control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the environment. Its interior reflective surface mediates the light direction, taking light from the downward-pointing source and redirecting a portion upward through controlled reflection, thereby achieving direction control without complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is designed with specific geometric parameters (curvature, reflectivity, angle of incidence) that enable it to control light direction. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective separation of light paths (upward and downward) while maintaining a simple single-source configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 luminaire provides efficient and cost-effective both downlighting and uplighting capabilities, utilizing internal light reflection to reduce the need for additional fixtures and enhance lighting coverage without increasing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a lens. The lens may at least partially cover the light source and include an interior surface. An opening may be formed in the housing and permit light reflected by the interior surface of the lens to be transmitted in an upward direction from the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a means for diffusively transmitting a first portion of the light in the downward direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuse transmission: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11156339B2Luminaire with uplighting and downlighting capabilities

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 LEGRAND LIGHTING MFG CO

AI summary

A luminaire with uplighting and downlighting capabilities is provided. According to one aspect, the luminaire may include a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, and a lens. The light source may be configured to emit light in a downward direction, and the lens may at least partially cover the light source. An opening may be formed in a top part of the housing and may permit light reflected by an interior surface of the lens to be transmitted in an upward direction from the housing. Optionally, a transparent or translucent cover member may at least partially cover the opening in the top part of the housing.