Luminaire Light Guide with Redirecting Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state luminaire technologies face challenges in efficiently redirecting light to achieve uniform illumination and compact designs, often requiring complex optics and materials that increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire module with a light guide featuring redirecting interfaces that use total internal reflection and reflective coatings to redirect light, allowing for efficient light mixing and propagation in both forward and backward directions, reducing material usage and module size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If complex optics and materials are used to redirect light efficiently, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into multiple sections along its length, with redirecting interfaces positioned at specific locations. Each section has tailored reflectivity characteristics, creating a segmented approach to light redistribution that achieves uniformity without requiring a completely complex optical system
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the light guide have different reflectivity properties. The redirecting interfaces are positioned and configured with specific reflectivities to address local lighting non-uniformities at different locations along the light guide, applying local quality adjustments rather than a uniform complex optical design
2Illumination intensity
If more materials and components are used for light redirection, then light distribution efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light forward, redirects light backward through positioned interfaces, and distributes light uniformly along its length. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide uses its own structure and positioned redirecting interfaces to achieve light redistribution. The system is self-contained, using the light guide's inherent properties and simple interface positioning rather than requiring additional external materials or components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
3Illumination intensity
If a larger light guide is used to distribute light uniformly, then light mixing is improved, but module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Redirecting interfaces are positioned at specific locations along the light guide to preliminarily redirect light before it travels the full length. This preliminary action creates multiple light paths and mixing opportunities within a compact space, achieving good light mixing without requiring an excessively long light guide
Solution Approach 2:
The redirecting interfaces create backward-directed light paths, adding a dimensional aspect to light propagation. Light travels forward then redirects backward, creating a multi-directional mixing pattern that achieves thorough light mixing within a compact module footprint rather than requiring a long linear path
4Illumination intensity
If redirecting interfaces are positioned throughout the entire light guide, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than continuously distributing interfaces throughout the entire light guide, the system segments the light guide into specific sections with interfaces positioned only where needed. This segmented approach achieves uniform light distribution by targeting specific problem areas rather than applying a uniform complex interface distribution along the entire length
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 enables more compact, cost-effective, and efficient light distribution with improved light mixing and rigidity, reducing manufacturing and distribution costs while maintaining high illuminance.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide is configured to guide the received light in a forward direction, along the length of the light guide to the opposing end of the light guide
Implementation Method 2
The redirecting interfaces are configured to reflect a portion of the guided light in a backward direction as return light
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state luminaire module includes one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs) and a light guide. The light guide includes a receiving end and an opposing end, the receiving end being arranged to receive the light provided by the LEEs; a pair of opposing side surfaces, extending along a length of the light guide between the receiving end and the opposing end, to guide the received light in a forward direction; and a plurality of redirecting interfaces spaced apart from each other and distributed along a portion of the length of the light guide adjacent the opposing end. The redirecting interfaces are configured to reflect a portion of the guided light in a backward direction as return light, such that the return light can transmit through the pair of opposing side surfaces into the ambient as output light of the luminaire module, the output light to propagate in backward directions.