Nested Visor LED Fixture for Glare Control and Low EPA
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting fixtures for sports and wide area applications face challenges in glare control, uneven illumination, and increased effective projected area (EPA) when modified for floodlighting, which complicates outdoor use and increases costs due to the need for additional structural support and wind loading considerations.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting fixture design featuring pivotable light sources and visors, with internal and external visors that allow independent light directing and redirecting, optimizing light output and reducing EPA while maintaining flexibility and uniformity, using a combination of adjustable armatures and optical elements to manage heat and airflow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If LED fixtures are modified for floodlighting applications by adding external visors and robust pole structures, then glare control is improved, but effective projected area (EPA) increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested visors where an internal visor is positioned within the fixture housing and an external visor is positioned outside, with the internal visor nesting within the space defined by the external visor. This nested arrangement provides comprehensive glare control while minimizing the overall effective projected area compared to using a single large external visor, as the internal visor utilizes the existing fixture structure space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the visor system into separate internal and external components that can independently pivot and be adjusted. This segmentation allows each visor to be optimized for specific glare control functions while maintaining a compact overall structure, reducing the effective projected area compared to a monolithic visor design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If LED fixtures are modified for floodlighting applications by adding external visors and robust pole structures, then glare control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the glare control function into an integrated visor system that works in conjunction with the existing LED fixture structure. The internal visor utilizes the fixture housing as part of its support structure, and the external visor is mounted to work cooperatively with the internal visor, merging multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall device complexity compared to adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor system is designed to perform multiple functions: the internal visor provides primary glare control and structural support, while the external visor provides additional glare control and wind protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional LED fixtures are used for sports lighting, then compactness is maintained, but lighting uniformity and glare control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pivotable internal and external visors that can be dynamically adjusted to optimize light distribution and glare control for different sporting events and target areas. This dynamic adjustability allows the compact fixture to achieve superior lighting uniformity and glare control compared to fixed traditional fixtures, as the visors can be positioned to direct light precisely where needed while blocking glare paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the light distribution control into multiple segments through the internal and external visors, each capable of independent adjustment. This segmentation allows precise control over light direction and spread, achieving superior lighting uniformity across the target area while maintaining compact fixture dimensions.
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 enhanced glare control, reduced EPA, and increased lighting uniformity, enabling efficient and cost-effective LED lighting solutions for demanding applications like sports lighting without the drawbacks of traditional fixtures, such as shadowing and increased wind loading.
Implementation Method 1
Some visors, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,540 incorporated by reference herein, are equipped with inner reflective surfaces so to both cut off light and redirect said light back onto target area 5
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is a design of modular LED lighting fixture whereby the steps of light directing and light redirecting are independent, but cooperative, so to promote a compact fixture design with low effective projected area (EPA), good thermal properties, and a selectable degree of glare control. A lighting system employing a plurality of said fixtures is highly customizable yet has the potential to be pre-aimed and pre-assembled prior to shipping, which reduces the potential for installation error while preserving the customized nature of the fixtures.