Modular Flat Panel Luminaire With Edge-Lit Lightguide And Row Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flat panel luminaires are limited by their backlit design, which restricts minimum thickness due to the need for space between the light source and lens or diffuser for even illumination, and they are not easily configured for seamless row mounting.
Innovation Solution
A modular flat panel luminaire design featuring edge-lit lightguide technology with side rail assemblies, alignment slots, and coupling brackets that allow for row mounting by aligning and latching adjacent luminaires, enabling continuous rows without the thickness constraints of backlit designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional backlit design is used, then illumination function is achieved, but luminaire thickness increases due to required space between light source and lens/diffuser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional backlit design by implementing edge-lit configuration where the lightguide panel is illuminated from its edge rather than from behind. The light source is positioned at the edge of the lightguide panel, and light is conducted through the panel via total internal reflection, then extracted through the major surface. This inversion eliminates the need for space between a backlight source and a diffuser panel, thereby reducing luminaire thickness while maintaining even illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lightguide panel as an intermediary component that conducts light from the edge-mounted light source to the emission surface. The lightguide panel acts as a mediator that distributes light evenly across the luminaire face through optical mechanisms (total internal reflection and light extraction), eliminating the need for direct positioning of light sources behind a diffuser, thus reducing thickness requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flat panel luminaire design is used, then illumination is provided, but row mounting capability is limited due to lack of alignment and coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The side rail assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the lightguide panel, house the light sources, enable precise alignment through alignment slots and rods, and facilitate coupling between adjacent luminaires. This multi-functionality allows a single component to achieve both illumination and row mounting capabilities, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire is divided into modular side rail assemblies that can be independently manufactured and then coupled together. Each side rail assembly contains integrated alignment features (alignment slots and rods) and coupling mechanisms (latches), allowing for easy row mounting by simply connecting adjacent modules. This segmentation into functional modules enhances row mounting capability while keeping individual component complexity manageable.
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 modular design achieves thinner profiles and facilitates easy row mounting, providing even illumination and flexibility in optical distribution through adjustable optical films, while maintaining a seamless and efficient installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a lightguide panel that is supported by and disposed between the first side rail assembly and the second side rail assembly such that: (a) at least a portion of the light transmission assembly covers the light emitting aperture, and (b) an edge of the lightguide panel is positioned adjacent the light source to receive light therefrom and emit the light through a major surface of the lightguide panel
Implementation Method 2
a first side rail assembly that includes a first alignment slot and a first alignment rod disposed in the first alignment slot... a second side rail assembly disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first side rail assembly... including a second alignment slot
Data Source
AI summary
A modular luminaire includes a pair of side rail assemblies that support a light transmission assembly therebetween. Each side rail assembly includes a light assembly cavity and an alignment slot that houses an alignment rod therein. A coupling bracket that includes a latch device is coupled to the pair of side rail assemblies. A light source is disposed in the light assembly cavity of at least one of the pair of side rail assemblies such that an edge of a lightguide panel of the light transmission assembly is disposed adjacent the light source. The lightguide panel receives light from the light source through the edge and emits the light through a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the edge. The alignment rod of at least one of the pair of side rail assemblies and the latch device operate in concert to row mount the luminaire with another luminaire.