Micro-structured Optical Sheet for 3D Visual Effect in Panel Lights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical structures for light fixtures, such as panel lights and direct-lit LED-based systems, fail to effectively create a three-dimensional visual effect, as they primarily rely on uniform diffusion of light without sophisticated light redirecting elements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a planar optical sheet with spatial regions featuring elliptical diffusers and prismatic lenses, where the diffusers are oriented at different angles to create varying light emission patterns, providing a 3D appearance by altering light intensity and direction as the viewing angle changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional uniform diffusion sheets are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the visual effect lacks three-dimensional appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sheet is divided into multiple spatial regions, each containing different types and orientations of optical microstructures (elliptical diffusers, prismatic lenses, conical diffusers). This segmentation allows different areas to manipulate light differently, creating the illusion of three-dimensional depth while maintaining a planar physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spatial regions of the optical sheet are equipped with specific optical microstructures tailored to their function. For example, elliptical diffusers are oriented at different angles in different regions to create varying light emission patterns, while prismatic lenses are positioned to redirect light in specific directions. This local differentiation of optical properties creates the 3D visual effect without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple types of optical microstructures with different orientations are incorporated, then light redirection and 3D appearance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple types of optical microstructures (elliptical diffusers, prismatic lenses, conical diffusers) are combined within a single planar optical sheet. These different structures are integrated into one component rather than using separate elements, allowing light manipulation functions to be merged into a single manufacturable part that maintains structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar optical sheet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it diffuses light, redirects light in specific directions, creates three-dimensional visual effects, and controls light emission patterns. By making the optical sheet multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for multiple separate components, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving complex optical effects.
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 simulates a three-dimensional appearance by manipulating light emission angles and intensities, creating a convincing depth illusion even on a flat surface, enhancing visual appeal and perception.
Implementation Method 1
spatial regions that include elliptical diffusers oriented predominantly in a first direction, and other spatial regions that include elliptical diffusers oriented predominantly in a second direction that is different from the first direction
Implementation Method 2
one or more third spatial regions that include at least one type of optical microstructure selected from the group consisting of Fresnel lenses, v-groove lenses, v-cut lenses, pyramidal lenses, lenticular lenses, donut lenses and conical diffusers
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire includes a housing that defines a light output aperture, a backlight apparatus that emits light toward the light output aperture, and an optical sheet of light transmissive material. The optical sheet is adjacent the backlight apparatus and modifies the light before it leaves the light output aperture. The optical sheet forms a first surface and an opposite second surface. At least one of the first surface or the second surface of the optical sheet includes a first spatial region that includes elliptical diffusers oriented predominantly in a first direction, a second spatial region that includes elliptical diffusers oriented predominantly in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and a third spatial region that includes at least one type of optical microstructure selected from the group consisting of Fresnel lenses, v-groove lenses, v-cut lenses, pyramidal lenses, lenticular lenses, donut lenses and conical diffusers.