Multi-waveguide LED Luminaire for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor and enclosed structure luminaires for large areas, such as parking lots and garages, face challenges in providing uniform and efficient lighting while minimizing glare, and require a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and sturdy enough to withstand weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The luminaire incorporates a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in a side-by-side relationship, with each waveguide having a coupling portion at one end and a light emitting portion between the ends, and includes optical coupling members that collimate and direct light from LEDs into the waveguides, utilizing total internal reflection to control light distribution and extraction, thereby achieving efficient and uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting fixtures are used for large area illumination, then sufficient light output can be achieved, but glare is increased and light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire divides the illumination function into multiple optical waveguides (e.g., four waveguides) arranged in a specific configuration. Each waveguide independently directs light in a controlled manner, segmenting the overall light output to reduce glare while maintaining total illumination intensity. This segmentation allows precise control over light distribution patterns across the illuminated area.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical waveguides serve as intermediary elements between the light source and the target area. These waveguides mediate the light transmission by controlling the path and distribution of light rays through total internal reflection and strategic extraction points, thereby eliminating direct line-of-sight glare while delivering sufficient illumination to the desired areas.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If optical waveguides are used to control light distribution, then glare is reduced and uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguides perform multiple functions simultaneously: they guide light from the source, control extraction at specific points, distribute light uniformly across the target area, and eliminate glare. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving superior glare control and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide design utilizes changes in optical parameters (refractive index, extraction point locations, waveguide geometry) to control light behavior. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise glare control and uniform distribution without requiring mechanically complex moving parts or adjustable mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple optical waveguides are arranged side-by-side for large area coverage, then illumination area increases, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large illumination area is achieved by segmenting the system into multiple identical or standardized waveguide units arranged side-by-side. Each waveguide is a discrete, manufacturable component that can be produced independently and then assembled in a predetermined configuration, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes compared to creating a single large complex optical element.
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 robust, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective lighting system with reduced glare, offering high lumen output and efficient light extraction, ensuring effective illumination across large areas with minimal material usage and assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing total internal reflection to control light distribution and extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire comprises a frame and a plurality of optical waveguides retained by the frame. The optical waveguides bound a cavity, and each comprises: a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a coupling portion disposed at the top end; an inner side facing the cavity; and an outer side opposite the inner side. The inner and outer sides are disposed between the top and bottom ends. The luminaire further comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) associated with each optical waveguide. Each of the LEDs are disposed opposite, and configured to direct light into, the coupling portion of the associated optical waveguide. Each optical waveguide is configured to receive the light via the coupling portion and emit the light primarily from the outer side.