Multi-directional Lighting via Semi-reflective Lens and Single LED
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-directional lighting solutions using LEDs require multiple light sources to achieve uplight and downlight, increasing manufacturing costs and heat generation due to directional light emission limitations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional light fixture design utilizing a single light source, such as an LED strip, combined with a reflection pan and lens system that transmits and reflects light to create multiple illumination zones, eliminating the need for additional light sources by directing light through and around reflective panels within a housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple groups of LEDs are used to provide uplight and downlight, then multi-directional illumination is achieved, but manufacturing cost and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light distribution function by separating the light source (downward-facing LEDs) from the light distribution mechanisms (lens and reflection panels). The lens is divided into light-transmitting and light-reflecting portions, while reflection panels are positioned at specific angles to redirect light. This segmentation allows a single light source to achieve multi-directional illumination that traditionally required multiple LED groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical elements (lens and reflection panels) between the light source and the target areas. The lens acts as an intermediary to transmit and reflect light in different directions, while the reflection panels serve as intermediaries to redirect light upward and sideways. These intermediaries enable a single downward-facing LED group to illuminate multiple directions without requiring additional light sources.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple groups of LEDs are used to provide uplight and downlight, then multi-directional illumination is achieved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light distribution function by separating the light source (downward-facing LEDs) from the light distribution mechanisms (lens and reflection panels). The lens is divided into light-transmitting and light-reflecting portions, while reflection panels are positioned at specific angles to redirect light. This segmentation allows a single light source to achieve multi-directional illumination that traditionally required multiple LED groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical elements (lens and reflection panels) between the light source and the target areas. The lens acts as an intermediary to transmit and reflect light in different directions, while the reflection panels serve as intermediaries to redirect light upward and sideways. These intermediaries enable a single downward-facing LED group to illuminate multiple directions without requiring additional light sources.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single light source is used with reflection and lens, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lens multi-functional by incorporating both light-transmitting and light-reflecting portions in a single component. The lens simultaneously performs two functions: transmitting light downward and reflecting light upward, eliminating the need for separate optical components for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining the complexity benefits of a single integrated element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surfaces in the lens and reflection panels to achieve complex light redirection patterns. The curved geometry of the lens and the angled positioning of reflection panels enable light to be distributed in multiple directions (downward, upward, sideways) through optical reflection and refraction, simplifying the overall system compared to using multiple separate light sources with simple geometries.
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 effectively generates both uplight and downlight from a single light source, reducing the number of required LEDs and associated costs while maintaining efficient heat management and flexible illumination patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of the light emitted from the light source is transmitted downward through the lens
Implementation Method 2
a second portion of the light emitted from the light source is reflected substantially upward by the lens
Implementation Method 3
a third portion of the light emitted from the light source is reflected substantially upward by the first and second reflection panels
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a multi-directional light fixture having a single orientation light source. The multi-directional light fixture includes a light source orientated towards a semi-reflective lens. The semi-reflective lens allows a portion of the light it receives from the light source to be reflected upwards, providing uplight from the light fixture. The lens also allows a portion of the light it receives from the light source to be transmitted therethrough, providing downlight from the light fixture. Thus, the light fixture provides both uplight and downlight while the light source is oriented downwards.