Optical Sheet Microstructures for Aesthetic Lighting Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination systems and luminaires that alter far-field radiation patterns are often bulky, expensive, and lack aesthetic appeal, failing to provide efficient and visually pleasing lighting solutions for residential and commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical sheet with surface relief microstructures and refractive/diffractive elements is integrated into light fixtures to control light output patterns, offering flexible and aesthetically enhanced lighting solutions while maintaining desired radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional optical components are used to alter far-field radiation patterns, then the radiation pattern control is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sheet is divided into multiple regions with different optical properties - a first region with optical elements for radiation pattern control and a second region with microstructures for visual effects. This segmentation allows the patent to achieve both radiation pattern control and aesthetic enhancement in a single compact component, eliminating the need for separate bulky optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sheet performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the far-field radiation pattern through optical elements in the first region, provides visual aesthetic effects through microstructures in the second region, and can be configured to produce various light distributions (spot lighting, flood lighting, wash lighting). This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate components with a single integrated sheet.
2Shape
If standard illumination systems with optical components are used, then radiation pattern control is achieved, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical sheet have different optical properties tailored to specific functions. The first region contains optical elements for radiation pattern control, while the second region contains microstructures for visual effects. This local differentiation allows the patent to achieve both functional performance and aesthetic appeal without requiring complex overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The microstructures in the second region can be configured to produce various visual effects including iridescence, scattering, and light redistribution that create aesthetically pleasing appearances. These microstructures can be designed to produce specific color effects and visual patterns that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the illumination system.
3Weight of stationary object
If conventional optical components are used, then radiation pattern control is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sheet is implemented as a thin, flexible component that can be easily integrated into light fixtures. This thin-film approach dramatically reduces the weight and bulk compared to conventional rigid optical components while maintaining the necessary optical functionality for radiation pattern control and light distribution.
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 optical sheet enhances the aesthetic quality and efficiency of lighting systems, providing tailored radiation patterns and unique visual appearances without compromising the functionality of the light output, suitable for various residential and commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sheet can include a matrix of an optical material having a refractive index
Implementation Method 2
the optical features can be surface relief microstructures
Implementation Method 3
diffusing elements, scattering elements, light redistributing elements
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations disclosed herein include optical sheets comprising one or more regions including one or more optical elements. Each of the one or more optical elements includes a plurality of microstructures. The one or more optical elements can be configured to tailor the radiation pattern output from a source of illumination. The one or more optical element can be further configured to impart a visual appearance to the optical sheet that is different from a standard lenticular or prismatic sheet. In various implementations, the one or more regions can be demarcated from each other or the surrounding by borders. The borders of the one or more regions can be configured to form one or more letters, one or more symbols or logos for identification and/or security purposes. Various implementations of the optical sheet can include nano-particles in addition to the optical elements to enhance the aesthetic quality of the optical film.