Modular Optical Cell for Luminaire Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular systems for LED-based luminaires are over-engineered, complex, and lack versatility, making them difficult to apply across a wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs while maintaining simplicity and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical cell design comprising a light collector element, a cover element, and a transmission element with planar optical elements, allowing for flexible assembly and configuration to form various luminaire configurations, featuring a light collector element with an input and output for light collection and propagation, a cover element with an input and output for light transmission, and a transmission element with predetermined optical activity to direct light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing modular systems are used for LED-based luminaires, then light distribution function is achieved, but the system becomes over-engineered and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical cell is divided into three functional segments: light collector element, transmission element, and cover element. Each segment performs a specific optical function, allowing the system to achieve complex light distribution through simple, standardized modular components rather than over-engineered integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical cell design creates a universal module that can be applied across various luminaire types and configurations. The standardized interface and functional design allow the same basic cell structure to serve multiple purposes (different light distributions, mounting orientations, and luminaire designs) by simply rearranging or reconfiguring the modular elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing modular systems are designed for specific configurations, then optical performance is optimized, but versatility across different sizes and shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, configuration-specific designs to a dynamic modular system where optical cells can be freely assembled and reconfigured. The standardized interfaces enable the same optical cell design to adapt to various luminaire sizes, shapes, and mounting requirements while maintaining optimized optical performance through consistent manufacturing of the modular components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex modular systems are implemented, then complete functional coverage is achieved, but ease of assembly and manufacturing simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical system into standardized, pre-fabricated modules (light collector, transmission element, cover), the design achieves complete functional coverage through simple assembly of discrete components rather than complex integrated manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (light collection, transmission with optical activity, and protection) into a single integrated optical cell module. This combining of functions at the module level simplifies the overall assembly process, as the merged module can be installed as one unit while still providing comprehensive optical functionality.
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 provides a simpler, more versatile, and cost-effective modular system for forming luminaires, enabling a wide range of configurations and designs while ensuring efficient light distribution and easy assembly, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wall defining one or more portions of the body between its input and output and configured for collecting light entering the body via its input and conveying or directing said light towards its output
Implementation Method 2
a transmission element mounted between the light collector element and the cover element... the or each optical element exhibits a predetermined optical activity or function in its transmission of light
Implementation Method 3
at least one internal surface defining a cavity within the cover element between its input and output openings, the cavity's internal surface(s) being configured for allowing or effecting passage of light, or a portion of the light, through the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An optical cell (10) for forming a luminaire, the optical cell (10) comprising: (i) a light collector element (14), (ii) a cover element (15) attached to the light collector element (14), and (iii) a transmission element (16) mounted between the light collector element (14) and the cover element (15); wherein: (iv) the light collector element (14) comprises a body including: an input, e.g. an input opening, for receiving and collecting light from at least one light source, e.g. one or more LEDs (32) pre-mounted on a circuit- or wiring board (30); an output, e.g. an output opening, for propagating collected light towards the transmission element (16); at least one wall (52) defining one or more portions of the body, such as an internal chamber (53) therewithin, between its input and output, and configured for collecting light entering the body/chamber (53) via its input and conveying or directing said light towards its output; and attachment means (55, 65) for mechanically attaching the light collector element (14) to the cover element (15) and securing the transmission element (16) therebetween; (v) the cover element (15) comprises: an input opening facing towards the transmission element (16) and for receiving light transmitted thereby; an output opening via which light is outputted from the optical cell (10); and at least one internal surface (62) defining a cavity (63) within the cover element (15) between its input and output openings, the cavity's internal surface(s) (62) being configured for allowing or effecting passage of light, or a portion of the light, through the cavity (63) from the cover element's input opening towards its output opening; and (vi) the transmission element (16) comprises: one or more planar optical elements, wherein the or each optical element includes a first surface facing towards the output of the light collector element (14) and a second surface facing towards the input opening of the cover element (15), and the or each optical element exhibits a predetermined optical activity or function in its transmission of light incident thereon which has exited the output of the light collector element (14) and is transmitted by the transmission element (16) towards the input opening of the cover element (15).