Multi-Region Ridge Optic for Flat Illumination and Color Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures face challenges in achieving uniform illumination with consistent color distribution, particularly in larger fixtures, where color inconsistencies such as yellowish or amber tones appear in the center region due to the interaction of light with the trim and reflector geometry.
Innovation Solution
A multi-region optic design is employed, featuring a first ridge structure at the center for diverging light outward and a second ridge structure at the outer portion for directing light downward using total internal reflection, which combines to produce a composite light distribution that balances warmer and cooler tones, minimizing the need for trim redesign and maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single uniform optic design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but illumination uniformity and color consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optic is divided into multiple regions with different ridge structures: a first region with a first ridge structure for diverging light outward, a second region with a second ridge structure for directing light downward, and a third region between them. This segmentation allows each region to perform a specific function, achieving uniform illumination and color consistency while maintaining manufacturability through a single molded piece.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optic are given different local properties through varying ridge structures and textures. The first region has a first texture, the second region has a second texture, and the third region has a third texture, with each texture being different from the others. This local differentiation enables precise control over light distribution and color temperature across different areas.
2Productivity
If light is directed downward uniformly, then illumination efficiency is improved, but color consistency deteriorates due to yellowish tones in the center
Solution Approach 1:
The optic separates light redirection functions into different regions: the second region directs light downward using total internal reflection for efficiency, while the first region diverges light outward to distribute cooler tones and reduce yellowish center tones. The third region acts as a transition zone, creating a composite light distribution that maintains both efficiency and color consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions apply different light manipulation strategies: the second region uses total internal reflection for downward direction, the first region uses refraction for outward divergence, and the third region provides transition. This local differentiation of optical properties achieves both high illumination efficiency and consistent color temperature distribution.
3Illumination intensity
If ridge structures are added to redirect light, then color consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optic is segmented into three functional regions with different ridge structures, but all regions are integrated into a single optic component. This segmentation achieves complex light redistribution functions while avoiding the need for multiple separate optical elements, thus improving color consistency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light manipulation functions (divergence, downward direction, transition) are merged into a single optic component with multiple regions. This integration achieves sophisticated color consistency control while maintaining a unified structure that is easier to manufacture and install than multiple separate optical elements would be.
4Illumination intensity
If trim redesign is implemented to fix color issues, then color consistency improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color consistency problem is extracted from the trim/reflector system and relocated to the optic itself. By embedding the light redistribution functionality directly in the optic through multi-region ridge structures, the solution eliminates the need for trim redesign while achieving the desired color consistency, thereby maintaining trim manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-region optic acts as an intermediary between the light source and the trim/reflector system. It pre-distributes light in a controlled manner before light interacts with the trim, preventing color inconsistencies from developing in the first place. This intermediary function solves the color consistency issue without requiring changes to the trim design.
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 optic design achieves uniform illumination with consistent color temperature by redirecting warmer light away from the center and distributing cooler light more evenly, reducing color inconsistencies and glare while maintaining efficient light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a second ridge structure disposed in a second region at an outer portion of the optic for directing some light from the one or more light sources in a less outward direction using total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
a first ridge structure, wherein the first ridge structure is disposed in a first region at a center of the optic, for diverging some light from the one or more light sources in a more outward direction from the center
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-region lighting system for flat illumination with color balancing includes one or more light sources and an optic. The optic includes a first ridge structure. The first ridge structure is disposed in a first region at a center of the optic. The first region is for diverging light in an outward direction from the center. A second ridge structure is disposed in a second region at an outer portion of the optic for directing light downward using total internal reflection, where a direction from the one or more light sources toward the optic defines a downward direction.