Non-Uniform Volumetric Diffuser Lighting for Natural Ceiling Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional office lighting devices with smooth and uniform light exit windows struggle to integrate with human-centric and biophilic lighting concepts that mimic natural patterns and textures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-uniform volumetric diffuser between the light source and a uniform diffuser, which features open and closed cells, to create texture and depth when lit, while using a uniform diffuser to conceal the texture when off, enhancing integration with natural lighting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a smooth and uniform light exit window is used, then the lighting device has a conventional uniform appearance, but it cannot integrate with human centric and biophilic lighting concepts that require natural patterns and textures
Solution Approach 1:
The light exit window is segmented into multiple layers: a uniform diffuser layer (providing conventional appearance) and a non-uniform volumetric diffuser layer (providing natural patterns). This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill different functions - the uniform layer maintains aesthetic integration with ceilings while the non-uniform layer creates biophilic lighting effects
Solution Approach 2:
The non-uniform volumetric diffuser is nested within or behind the uniform diffuser layer. When the device is off, the uniform diffuser conceals the non-uniform texture. When on, light passes through both layers to reveal the natural patterns, creating a nested structure that adapts its appearance based on operational state
2Adaptability or versatility
If a non-uniform volumetric diffuser is added to create texture and depth, then the lighting device can integrate with natural lighting systems, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device uses a composite diffuser structure combining a uniform diffuser material and a non-uniform volumetric diffuser material. This composite approach allows the device to achieve both uniform appearance (when needed) and natural texture (when lit), resolving the complexity issue by integrating multiple materials with complementary properties rather than using a single complex component
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 allows the lighting device to blend with acoustic ceiling tiles and provide local sparkle and highlights, mimicking natural patterns, while maintaining uniform appearance when off.
Implementation Method 1
some of the emitted light is diffused (scattered) by the non-uniform volumetric diffuser before striking the light exit window
Implementation Method 2
The non-uniform volumetric diffuser may have open and/or closed cells (bubbles), preferably open and closed cells
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting device (10), comprising: at least one light source (12) adapted to emit light (28a, 28b); a uniform diffuser (20) forming a light exit window of the lighting device; and a non-uniform volumetric diffuser (16) arranged between the at least one light source and the uniform diffuser.