Nested Luminaire Optics for Asymmetric Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminaires face challenges in achieving asymmetric light distribution without incurring structural, cost, and efficiency disadvantages, particularly in outdoor lighting applications where tailored light control is necessary, such as in roadway and residential lighting, where asymmetric distributions are desired to enhance luminous intensity in specific areas while minimizing light trespass and maintaining uniform illuminance.
Innovation Solution
The luminaire design incorporates a light source, an outer optic, and at least one inner optic positioned within the outer optic, allowing for adjustable positioning of the inner optics via a mounting bracket to create a radially asymmetric light distribution, enhancing high-angle light delivery and uniformity across illuminated areas without the need for costly redesigns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a refractive secondary optic is externally coupled to a primary optic to create asymmetric light distribution, then asymmetric light distribution is achieved, but the luminaire weight and wind loading increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the inner optic inside the outer optic, creating a nested configuration where the inner optic is positioned within the optical path of the outer optic. This nested arrangement achieves asymmetric light distribution without requiring external attachment of separate optics, thereby avoiding the additional weight and wind loading that would result from externally coupling a secondary optic to a primary optic.
2Shape
If a refractive secondary optic is externally coupled to create asymmetric light distribution, then asymmetric distribution is achieved, but achieving IES Full-Cutoff designation becomes difficult due to uplight
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration allows the inner optic to be precisely positioned within the outer optic's optical path, enabling better control over light direction. This internal arrangement facilitates achieving IES Full-Cutoff designation by preventing uplight, as the nested optics can be configured to direct all light downward without the misalignment issues that would occur with externally coupled optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner optic acts as an intermediary element that modifies the light path from the light source before it exits the outer optic. This intermediate optical element enables precise control over the asymmetric light distribution and ensures that no light is directed upward, thereby achieving Full-Cutoff designation.
3Shape
If one or more portions of light are blocked to create asymmetric distribution, then asymmetric light distribution is achieved, but luminous flux is reduced leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blocking portions of light, the patent extracts and redirects specific light paths using the inner optic. The inner optic selectively takes out portions of the light cone from the light source and redirects them at specific angles to create asymmetric distribution, while allowing the remaining light to pass through unaffected, thereby maintaining high luminous flux efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner optic changes the angular parameter of light propagation by redirecting light at specific angles. Rather than blocking light, the optic modifies the direction parameter of light rays, creating asymmetric distribution while preserving the total luminous flux. This parameter-based control allows asymmetric lighting without the energy loss associated with blocking approaches.
4Illumination intensity
If an external optic is designed with the bottom section reflecting at the highest desirable angle, then high-angle light is provided, but illuminance uniformity across the illuminated area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into an outer optic and an inner optic, with each component performing a specific function. The outer optic provides the primary light distribution, while the inner optic specifically addresses high-angle light delivery. This segmentation allows the inner optic to be optimized for providing high-angle light without compromising the overall illuminance uniformity, as the two optics work in conjunction rather than one optic having to perform all functions.
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 approach enables luminaires to produce tailored asymmetric light distributions that meet various application requirements, increasing high-angle light coverage and maintaining uniform illuminance, thus allowing for greater spacing between luminaires and reducing installation, energy, and maintenance costs while adhering to industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective bell-shaped primary optic (100) can have a refractive secondary optic coupled thereto
Implementation Method 2
wherein the refractive secondary optic produces an asymmetric light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention, in some embodiments, provides a luminaire operable to enhance the uniformity of light distributed from the luminaire thereby mitigating diminished illuminance at the periphery of an illuminated area.