Optical Element With Edge Lightguides for Uniform Office Luminance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems face challenges in achieving uniform luminance while being cost-efficient and easy to assemble, particularly in office luminaires requiring limited light distribution and low diffusive light at angles above 65 degrees, with current solutions being costly or inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An elongated optical element with longitudinal and transverse extensions, featuring central portions and aligned lightguides with longitudinal jags to reflect light beams, enhancing luminance uniformity by illuminating dark areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If MLO cover and diffusive foil or diffusive reflector are used to meet office compliance requirements, then luminance uniformity and office compliance parameters are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminance uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical element is divided into distinct functional zones: a central portion for direct light transmission and edge portions with lightguides for light redistribution. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall luminance uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Lightguides act as intermediary elements that capture light from the central portion and redirect it to edge areas. The lightguides mediate the light distribution between the light source and the exit window, creating uniform luminance without requiring expensive diffusive materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminance uniformityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical element integrates multiple functions into a single component: the central portion serves as the main light transmission area while the edge portions with lightguides provide light redistribution. This merging eliminates the need for separate diffusive foils or reflectors, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light transmission window, a light guiding structure, and a luminance uniformity controller. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the luminaire design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If PCS cover with lenses is used to achieve cost efficiency and easy assembly, then manufacturing cost and ease of assembly are improved, but luminance uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidluminance uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the optical element have different optical properties: the central portion has high light transmission for efficiency while the edge portions with lightguides provide light redistribution for uniformity. This local differentiation allows the element to achieve both cost efficiency and luminance uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lightguides extend in the longitudinal dimension along the edges of the optical element, creating a three-dimensional light redistribution structure. This dimensional approach allows uniform luminance to be achieved across the exit window without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Improves luminance uniformity and meets office compliance parameters by reflecting light beams to enlighten dark areas, offering a cost-effective and efficient lighting solution.

Implementation Method 1

the beam of light emitted from the light source is reflected by the longitudinal jag thus improving luminance uniformity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4587748B1Optical element for a lighting system providing increased luminance uniformity

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

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Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to an elongated optical element (1) for a lighting system (100) having a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension. The optical element (1) has a central portion (2) having a first edge (2´) and a second edge (2´´) being arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the longitudinal extension of the optical element (1). The optical element (1) further comprises at least a first lightguide (3) arranged at the first edge (2´) of the central portion (2), the optical element (1) having a first surface (4) facing at least one light source (112) of the lighting system (100), and a second surface (4´) being opposite to the first surface (4). The first surface (4) of the first lightguide (3) comprises at least one longitudinal jag (5) being substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the optical element (1).