Multi-Stage Optical Waveguide for Uniform Luminance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light fixtures using optical waveguides face challenges in efficiently directing and extracting light while maintaining uniform luminance and minimizing glare, particularly in troffer-style fixtures where light distribution is critical for both efficiency and aesthetic purposes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a multi-stage optical waveguide system with aligned coupling surfaces and an air gap, featuring light coupling and extraction portions, and a housing with a reflector to optimize light distribution and minimize glare, using a combination of diffuser and reflector materials to achieve uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If light is directed through a waveguide to achieve efficient light transfer, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but light extraction uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple waveguide portions with different extraction element configurations. Each portion extracts light at different locations and angles, distributing the extraction process across segments to achieve uniform luminance while maintaining efficient coupling at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different waveguide portions are designed with locally optimized extraction elements tailored to specific requirements. Each portion has customized extraction features that control where and in what direction light exits, allowing local optimization of both coupling efficiency and extraction uniformity across different regions of the waveguide.
2Ease of operation
If extraction elements are added to control light removal, then light distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex extraction control function is divided into multiple simpler extraction elements distributed across different waveguide portions. Each element performs a localized extraction function, and the collective effect of all segments achieves the desired overall light distribution control without requiring a single complex extraction mechanism.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple waveguide portions are used to improve light distribution, then luminance uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple portions that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for manufacturing while maintaining the overall luminance uniformity benefit of the multi-portion design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple waveguide portions are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration where they can be integrated into a compact structure. The portions are designed to fit together efficiently, reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining the light distribution benefits of having multiple extraction zones.
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 configuration enhances light distribution, reduces glare, and achieves high luminance uniformity across the target area, improving the overall efficiency and aesthetic appeal of the light fixtures.
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
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, provided that the incident light does not exceed a critical angle with respect to the surface.
Implementation Method 3
Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection, and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into the waveguide.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to light fixtures and luminaires configured to emit light. According to one aspect, an optical waveguide includes a first waveguide portion and a second waveguide portion adjacent to and separate from the first waveguide portion. The waveguide portions include light coupling portions that are at least partially aligned and adapted to receive light developed by a light source. The first waveguide portion further has a first major surface with light direction features and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The second waveguide portion further has a third major surface proximate the second major surface with an air gap disposed therebetween and a fourth major surface opposite the third major surface wherein the fourth major surface includes a cavity extending therein.