Luminaire Light Pipe for Ambient Sensor Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminaires with exterior sensors face challenges such as exposure to harsh weather conditions, theft risks, and interference from artificial light, which can lead to inaccurate ambient light measurements.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design with a housing that includes a light pipe assembly to transport ambient light to a sensor while shielding it from artificial light, allowing for accurate ambient light measurement without exposing the sensor to external elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is mounted on the exterior of the luminaire to maximize field of view, then the sensor can detect ambient light effectively, but the sensor is exposed to rain, pollutants, and theft risks that can damage or degrade the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
A light pipe assembly acts as an intermediary between the external ambient light environment and the internal sensor. The light pipe transports ambient light rays from outside the housing to a location within the housing where the sensor is isolated from artificial light, allowing the sensor to detect ambient light without being directly exposed to external elements
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe assembly is positioned within the luminaire housing, with the light pipe extending from the exterior opening through the housing interior to deliver light to the sensor. This nested configuration allows the sensor to be protected inside the housing while still accessing ambient light through the light pipe
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is positioned below or in front of the light source, then the sensor can be integrated into the luminaire structure, but the sensor casts undesirable shadows or adversely affects the light output
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe serves as a mediator that separates the sensor from direct interaction with the light path. By channeling ambient light through the light pipe to the sensor, the sensor can be positioned in the luminaire structure without casting shadows or interfering with the artificial light output, as the sensor only detects light through the light pipe opening
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned to maximize field of view for ambient light detection, then the sensor can accurately detect ambient lighting conditions, but the sensor is exposed to artificial light from the luminaire itself which interferes with measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe assembly acts as a selective intermediary that allows ambient light to reach the sensor while blocking artificial light from the luminaire. The light pipe is configured to transport only ambient light rays present in the environment outside the housing to a location within the housing where the sensor is isolated from artificial light
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe creates a localized light path that is selective in nature. The exterior opening of the light pipe is positioned to receive ambient light, while the interior termination point is positioned in a location shielded from artificial light sources within the luminaire, creating different lighting conditions at different locations along the light pipe
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 effectively protects the sensor from artificial light interference and harsh environments, enabling accurate detection of ambient lighting conditions while maintaining the luminaire's aesthetic and functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the light pipe assembly may be configured to transport ambient light rays present in an environment outside of the housing to a location within the housing isolated from the artificial light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire with a light pipe assembly and related methods of assembly are provided. According to one aspect, the luminaire may include a housing and lens covering an opening formed in the housing. A light source may be disposed in the housing and configured to emit artificial light in a forward direction toward the lens. The light pipe assembly may span at least a portion of a distance between the lens and the light source, and may be configured to transport ambient light rays present in an environment outside of the housing to a location within the housing isolated from the artificial light.