Optical Element with Segmented Transmittance for Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting assemblies face challenges in achieving efficient light transmission and compliance with regulatory lighting patterns while minimizing energy usage and maintaining consistent light output across the visible color spectrum.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical element with distinct portions of transmittance, including a high transmittance portion allowing greater than 80% light transmission and a low transmittance portion allowing less than 40% transmission, encircling the high transmittance portion, along with a third portion that can define variable transmittance or absorbance, to control light distribution and meet regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional uniform optical element is used, then the structure is simple, but light transmission efficiency is insufficient and regulatory compliance is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple distinct portions with different transmittance properties: a first portion with high transmittance (greater than 80%), a second portion with low transmittance (less than 40%) that encircles the first portion, and optionally a third portion with variable transmittance. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while meeting regulatory requirements for different lighting patterns.
2Productivity
If high transmittance is achieved across the entire optical element, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but compliance with regulatory lighting patterns becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the optical element are assigned different transmittance qualities tailored to their specific functions. The first portion (center region) has high transmittance to maximize light output where needed, while the second portion (encircling region) has low transmittance to control light distribution and meet regulatory patterns. This local differentiation of optical properties enables simultaneous achievement of high efficiency and regulatory compliance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If low transmittance is used across the entire optical element, then regulatory compliance is improved, but light transmission efficiency and energy usage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element segments the light transmission function across different regions. The first portion (high transmittance) allows maximum light passage to maintain energy efficiency, while the second portion (low transmittance) provides the necessary light control for regulatory compliance. This segmentation ensures that low transmittance is applied only where required by regulations, not across the entire optical element, thereby preserving energy efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmittance portions are implemented, then light distribution control and regulatory compliance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple portions with different transmittance properties are merged into a single integrated optical element. The first portion (high transmittance), second portion (low transmittance), and optionally third portion (variable transmittance) are combined in one component that can be installed as a single unit. This merging approach achieves complex light distribution control functionality without requiring multiple separate optical components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 configuration enables energy-efficient light distribution that complies with regulatory lighting patterns, reduces light attenuation, and provides a visually appealing appearance, especially when the light is off, while maintaining effective illumination when on.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of transmittance defining high transmittance enabling greater than 80% of light transmission from the illuminator
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element or a lighting element assembly including an optical element, can include a first portion of transmittance defining high transmittance enabling greater that 80% of light transmission, and a second portion of transmittance defining a low transmittance enabling less than 40% of light transmission, wherein the second portion of transmittance encircles the first portion of transmittance.