Luminaire Light Shield and Absorbing Coating to Prevent Spill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based luminaires suffer from light spill between adjacent light modules due to internal reflections, back reflections, and refractions, which contaminates the light effect and reduces the luminaire's effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design featuring a plurality of light modules with a first baffle forming shielding compartments, a light shield with apertures, and output lenses coated with a light-absorbing coating, along with a second baffle to prevent light spill by isolating each module and reducing internal reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If internal baffles or egg-crates are used to isolate independent light sources, then light isolation between modules is improved, but light spill still occurs due to internal reflection, back reflection, refraction, and other light leakage paths
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into multiple independent light modules, each with its own shielding compartment formed by baffles. This segmentation isolates each light source physically and optically, preventing light spill between adjacent modules while maintaining the independence of each light module.
Solution Approach 2:
A light shield with light-absorbing material is introduced as an intermediary element between light sources and adjacent modules. This shield absorbs stray light and prevents it from reaching neighboring light modules, effectively blocking internal reflections and refractions that would cause light spill.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If output apertures are restricted to provide light isolation, then light spill is reduced, but the performance and light output of the luminaire is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Light-absorbing coating is applied locally to specific surfaces within the luminaire, such as the inner surfaces of baffles and the light shield, rather than restricting the overall output aperture. This localized treatment absorbs stray light at its source without blocking the main light output path, thus preventing light spill while maintaining high light output performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light modules are used to produce multiple light beams, then lighting versatility is improved, but light spill between adjacent modules contaminates the effect and clarity of each module
Solution Approach 1:
Each light module is housed in its own shielding compartment formed by individual baffles, creating physical separation between multiple light sources. This segmentation allows each module to produce its light beam independently without interference from adjacent modules, maintaining both versatility and beam clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
A light shield positioned between adjacent light modules acts as an intermediary that absorbs stray light and prevents cross-contamination. This ensures that each light module's beam remains clear and distinct, preserving the precision and clarity of multiple simultaneous light beams.
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 minimizes light spill between adjacent light modules, maintaining the independence of each light module and enhancing the luminaire's performance by reducing light leakage and maintaining the clarity of the light beams.
Implementation Method 1
the edges of each lens are coated with a light absorbing coating
Implementation Method 2
a first baffle that forms sides of a plurality of first shielding compartments that correspond to the plurality of light modules
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire includes a plurality of light modules that have a light source at one end, an exit aperture at the other end, and a light source cover. A first baffle forms sides of first shielding compartments that correspond to the light modules. A light shield that includes a plurality of shield apertures that correspond to the plurality of light modules. Each shield aperture fits around a corresponding light module. The light shield is mounted on a proximal end of the first baffle and the exit aperture of each light module is located in a corresponding first shielding compartment. The light shield is configured to reduce light spill from the first shielding compartments toward the proximal ends of the light modules. The luminaire also includes a plurality of output lenses that correspond to the plurality of first shielding compartments. The output lenses are coupled to a distal end of the first baffle and the edges of each lens are coated with a light absorbing coating. The luminaire further includes a second baffle that forms sides of a plurality of second shielding compartments that correspond to the plurality of output lenses. A proximal end of the second baffle couples to the output lenses.