Microstructured Light Control Film for Batwing Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting devices with solid state light sources often produce non-uniform light distributions, leading to undesirable bright and dim spots, and traditional optics used to improve uniformity can reduce light output, increase glare, and be costly.
Innovation Solution
The use of light control films with microstructures on opposing sides to alter the light distribution, specifically configured to produce a batwing distribution by adjusting the geometry and orientation of microstructures such as inverse pyramids and partial spheres, which can be applied independently or with diffuser layers to enhance uniformity and reduce glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional optics (lenses and multilayer films) are used to improve light distribution uniformity, then light uniformity is improved, but optical efficiency is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of microstructures (size, shape, spacing, orientation) on the light control film to transform lambertian light distribution into batwing distribution. By adjusting parameters such as microstructure height, width, and angular orientation, the system achieves uniform light output without traditional optical components that cause energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies microstructures with specific local geometries to different regions of the light control film. Different areas have microstructures tailored to their specific lighting requirements, creating localized light redirection patterns that collectively produce uniform overall illumination while maintaining high optical efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional optics are used to achieve uniform light distribution, then light uniformity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single light control film layer. The microstructured film simultaneously performs light redirection, distribution uniformity control, and glare reduction that traditionally required separate optical components. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while achieving the desired lighting performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex traditional optical components with a cost-effective microstructured film that can be manufactured using scalable processes. The film provides the same or better performance at lower cost and with simpler integration into lighting devices.
3Area of stationary object
If solid state light sources are used with small spacing, then device size is reduced, but light uniformity deteriorates due to visible distinct light points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the light distribution pattern from lambertian (with visible hot spots) to batwing distribution through microstructure parameter optimization. This allows closely spaced solid state light sources to produce uniform illumination by redirecting light at specific angles that blend adjacent light points into a uniform overall output.
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 light control films effectively produce a uniform light distribution while maintaining high optical efficiency and reducing glare, providing an aesthetically pleasing illumination without significant loss in light output.
Implementation Method 1
a light control film including a first side and a second side, wherein a plurality of microstructures are present on the first side, the second side, or both, and configured to alter a distribution of light passing through the light control film
Implementation Method 2
configured to alter a distribution of light passing through the light control film
Data Source
AI summary
Light control films, and lighting devices including the same, are disclosed. The light control films include a single layer of light transmitting material having a first side and a second side. A plurality of first microstructures are formed in the first side. The first microstructures are configured to receive incident light from a light source and produce an off axis (e.g. batwing) light distribution in a field downstream of the second side of the light control film. In some embodiments, a plurality of second microstructures is formed on the second side of the light control films and are configured to reduce the glare produced by light emitted from the light source passing through the film.