Multi-reflector Lighting Unit for Wide Uniform Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear lighting units using semiconductor light sources have a narrow illumination range, making them unsuitable for applications requiring uniform illumination over a wide area.

Innovation Solution

A lighting unit with a slender substrate and a multi-reflector design, where small pieces with increasing surface area and focal distance are arranged to distribute light uniformly, combined with side reflectors and a diffusing cover to enhance illumination efficiency and evenness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single integrated transparent resin cover is used to cover LED chips, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the illumination range remains narrow and cannot provide uniform lighting over a wide area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidillumination range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The light reflector is divided into multiple small reflective pieces arranged in a specific pattern rather than using a single integrated structure. This segmentation allows each piece to redirect light in different directions, collectively achieving wide-area uniform illumination while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar reflector to a three-dimensional multi-faceted reflective structure. The multiple small pieces are positioned at different heights and angles, creating a multi-dimensional light redistribution system that expands the effective illumination area significantly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple lighting fixtures are deployed to achieve wide area illumination, then the illumination range increases, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination rangeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple light-redistributing functions into a single integrated reflector assembly. By merging the light-redirecting capabilities of multiple smaller reflectors into one coordinated structure, it achieves the illumination effect of multiple fixtures while reducing system complexity to a single maintainable unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-piece reflector structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light to different areas, distributes illumination uniformly across the target surface, and maintains a compact form factor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixtures for different lighting zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 lighting unit that maintains optical characteristics similar to fluorescent lamps, achieving high luminosity and uniform illumination over a wide range, reducing the need for multiple lighting fixtures and lowering operational and maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a light reflector disposed along one long side of the substrate, the light reflector has a multi-reflector in which a plurality of small pieces are combined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the lighting unit comprises a cover that has a light diffusing effect, on the other long side of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2211088B1Illuminating unit
Publication Date: 2014.09.10 NICHIA CORP
  • EP2211088B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2211088B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP2211088B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A lighting unit comprises a slender substrate; a plurality of semiconductor light sources arranged in a row in the lengthwise direction on the substrate; and a light reflector disposed along one long side of the substrate, the light reflector has a multi-reflector in which a plurality of small pieces are combined.