Modular Lighting System Waveguide Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-area indoor lighting systems, such as those in offices and warehouses, face challenges in providing customizable and efficient illumination due to limitations in light distribution and adaptability, particularly with LED-based luminaires that suffer from low efficiency in coupling light into waveguides.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular luminaires with interchangeable optical waveguides and LEDs, allowing for customizable illumination patterns and improved light distribution through the use of coupling, distribution, and extraction elements that optimize light transfer and directionality within the waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If discrete coupling optics are used to control light distribution, then illumination uniformity and angular control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling optic and distribution element into a single integrated waveguide component. The coupling optic is formed as an integral part of the waveguide structure, eliminating the need for separate discrete coupling optics while maintaining controlled light distribution and angular characteristics through the waveguide's geometric design and total internal reflection principles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular luminaires with interchangeable waveguides are used, then adaptability and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire system is divided into modular components: a base housing containing LEDs and a replaceable waveguide element. The waveguide can be interchangeably attached to the housing, allowing different waveguide configurations to be used with the same base unit. This segmentation enables customization of illumination patterns while maintaining a standardized interface that reduces overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If optical waveguides are used to direct light, then light distribution efficiency is improved, but light coupling losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the waveguide coupling interface to match the optical characteristics of the LED source, creating an optically equipotential transition. The coupling optic is configured with refractive indices and geometric parameters that minimize optical impedance mismatch between the LED and waveguide, thereby reducing reflection losses and maximizing light coupling efficiency while maintaining effective light distribution through the waveguide.
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 solution enables efficient and adaptable lighting systems that can be tailored to various environments, enhancing light distribution and reducing losses, thereby providing superior illumination with reduced glare and increased aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection, and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into the waveguide.
Implementation Method 2
Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection, and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into the waveguide.
Implementation Method 3
In accordance with well-known principles of total internal reflectance light traveling through a waveguide is reflected back into the waveguide from an outer surface thereof
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of this disclosure, a lighting system comprises at least first and second luminaires wherein each luminaire comprises a housing, an optical waveguide suspended from the associated housing, and one or more LEDs disposed adjacent the optical waveguide. Further in accordance with this aspect, the system comprises circuitry disposed within the housing of the first luminaire wherein the circuitry comprises LED driving circuitry and power circuitry, the power circuitry provides power to the first luminaire and at least a second luminaire, and the second luminaire is modular.