Optical Module Deflection Structure for Ceiling Light Distribution

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling lights lack flexibility in lighting distribution, as they often provide uniform lighting that may not meet the desired illumination needs for different situations or uses of a space.

Innovation Solution

An optics module for ceiling lamps, comprising a lower transparent element with a deflection structure that redirects light from the side edge to the underside, and an upper element with a light steering structure to direct light from the side of the top element, allowing for adjustable light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single transparent optical element is used to cover the light source, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the lighting distribution is uniform and lacks flexibility for different situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single optical element is divided into two separate elements: a lower optical element with a deflection structure and an upper optical element with a light-guiding structure. This segmentation allows each element to perform specific functions - the lower element creates direct light distribution while the upper element creates indirect light distribution - thereby achieving flexible lighting distribution without requiring a complex multi-component system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adjustable components that allow the lighting distribution to be dynamically changed. The lower optical element can be adjusted to change the direction and distribution of direct light, while the upper optical element can be adjusted to modify indirect light distribution. This dynamic adjustability enables adaptation to different lighting needs and situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If light is directed directly downward through a simple cover, then the structure is simple, but glare is high and comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into two functional elements: the lower optical element that manages direct light and the upper optical element that manages indirect light. The lower element includes a deflection structure that redirects light to reduce glare, while the upper element provides a light-guiding structure for indirect illumination, thereby reducing overall glare without requiring an overly complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper optical element acts as an intermediary between the light source and the ceiling/room. It receives light from the lower element and redirects it indirectly, serving as a mediator that softens the light distribution and reduces glare while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed lighting distribution is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to changing lighting needs or preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable components that allow the optical elements to be repositioned or reconfigured. The lower optical element with its deflection structure and the upper optical element with its light-guiding structure can both be adjusted to create different lighting distributions, enabling the system to adapt to various lighting scenarios and preferences while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The two-optical-element design provides multi-functionality: the lower element can create direct lighting for task illumination, the upper element can create indirect lighting for ambient illumination, and both can be adjusted to achieve various light distribution patterns. This universal design allows a single system to serve multiple lighting needs without requiring multiple separate fixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 optics module enables flexible and individual lighting by creating a combination of direct and indirect light, allowing for tailored light distribution curves that can adapt to different lighting needs and preferences.

Implementation Method 1

a deflection structure (211) which is designed to redirect light which enters through the side edge (213) so that it is emitted through the underside (214)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a deflection structure (211) which is designed to redirect light which enters through the side edge (213) so that it is emitted through the underside (214)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an upper optical element (22) which is connected to the lower optical element (21) and is optically separated from it. The upper optical element (22) comprises a top surface (224) and a light-guiding structure (221, 222) which is designed to radiate light which shines laterally onto the upper optical element (22) from its top surface (224)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guiding: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentEP4542106A1Optical module and luminaire
Publication Date: 2025.04.23
  • EP4542106A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542106A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4542106A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An optical module (2) for a ceiling light (1) comprises a transparent lower optical element (21) and an upper optical element (22). The lower optical element (21) has a bottom surface (214), a side edge, and a deflection structure. The deflection structure is designed to redirect light incident through the side edge so that it is emitted through the bottom surface (214). The upper optical element (22) is connected to and optically separated from the lower optical element (21). The upper optical element (22) comprises a top surface (224) and a light-guiding structure (221, 222). The light-guiding structure (221, 222) of the upper optical element (22) is designed to emit light incident laterally onto the upper optical element (22) from its top surface (224).