Modular Light Extraction Unit with Notch for Uniform Luminance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large area lighting systems face challenges in maintaining uniform luminance, especially at the edges of modular lighting units when concatenated, due to side-lit approaches and limitations in assembling larger luminous areas.
Innovation Solution
A light extraction unit with a notch area and a light guide unit configuration that allows for a two-dimensional array of lighting modules, where the light exit surface is substantially flat with a grooved profile, and the notch area enables seamless edge-to-edge connection of modules, ensuring uniform luminance across the array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple lighting modules are concatenated to form large area lighting systems, then the luminous area is expanded, but uniformity of luminance deteriorates at the edges of each module
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent lighting modules that can be concatenated to form large area lighting systems. Each module contains its own light source, light guide, and extraction structure, enabling modular assembly while maintaining uniform luminance through standardized interfaces and edge section designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction structure incorporates specially designed edge sections with notches at specific locations. These local modifications at the edges of light guides create optimized light extraction zones that compensate for edge effects, ensuring uniform luminance distribution across module boundaries while maintaining standard dimensions for the overall module.
2Illumination intensity
If side-lit approach is used to illuminate large areas, then the light distribution is directed, but concatenation of multiple light sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the lighting function into standardized modules that can be concatenated along lateral sides. Each module maintains the side-lit approach with light entering through lateral faces of light guides, preserving directed light distribution while enabling flexible expansion through modular assembly of multiple units.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual manufacturing of large luminous areas is performed, then uniform luminance can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing large luminous areas as single pieces, the system uses standardized modular units that can be assembled like tiles. Each module is manufactured independently with consistent quality control, then concatenated to form large areas, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining uniform luminance through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting modules are designed as universal standardized units with identical dimensions, interfaces, and performance characteristics. This universality allows any module to be used in any position within a large area configuration, simplifying manufacturing processes and assembly procedures while ensuring consistent luminance uniformity across the entire system.
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
This configuration ensures high uniformity of luminance across the entire array by allowing for seamless concatenation of lighting modules without edge limitations, enhancing the assembly and optical efficiency of large luminous areas.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide having a front face and a back face is configured for guiding light received at a lateral face by total internal reflection between the front face and the back face
Data Source
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Figure 4B~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light extraction unit for a lighting module, comprising a light entry surface defined by a side surface of the light extraction unit, a light exit surface arranged along a longitudinal direction of the light extraction unit between the light entry surface and a distal end of the light extraction unit, wherein a section of the light extraction unit at the distal end defines an end section, and wherein the light extraction unit is configured to distribute light received from the light entry surface over the light exit surface, and a notch area arranged between an edge of the light exit surface and an edge of the light entry surface, wherein the end section is adapted to cover the notch area of another light extraction unit when the light exit surface of the other light extraction unit extends along the light exit surface. The invention further relates to a lighting module comprising the light extraction unit and to an array of lighting modules comprising at least two lighting modules.