Optical Unit Lens Array for Uniform Glare-Free Illumination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optics units for lamps often result in uneven illumination and glare, making them ineffective for large areas and potentially distracting for people nearby.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates multiple rows of adjacent optical lenses within a rectangular, one-piece transparent plastic body, with a metal support frame and optional intermediate pieces, allowing for uniform and glare-free illumination by directing light emissions effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional reflectors are used to illuminate larger areas, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the illumination uniformity deteriorates and glare is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverage areaVSAvoidillumination uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical unit is divided into multiple rows of optical lenses (at least two rows) that are adjacent to each other. Each lens individually directs light from its associated illuminant, creating multiple light paths that combine to provide uniform illumination across a large area without the glare problems of traditional reflectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional reflector surfaces to a three-dimensional array of discrete optical lenses arranged in multiple rows. This dimensional change allows for precise control of light distribution in both horizontal and vertical directions, achieving uniform illumination across larger areas while eliminating glare.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If traditional reflectors are used to illuminate larger areas, then the illumination coverage area is improved, but glare is generated for people in the vicinity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverage areaVSAvoidglare
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the illumination system into multiple discrete optical lenses instead of using a continuous reflector surface, the patent achieves diffuse light distribution that covers large areas without creating concentrated glare spots. Each lens individually controls its light output, preventing the formation of harsh glare.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If multiple optical lenses are used to achieve uniform illumination, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination uniformityVSAvoidlens position tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical lenses and their supporting structures into a single integral optical unit. This unified design allows the lenses to be positioned relative to each other with fixed tolerances determined during manufacturing of the entire unit, rather than requiring precise field assembly of individual components, thereby reducing overall positioning tolerance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures even illumination of larger areas while minimizing glare, enhancing the lamp's functionality and ease of manufacture with a modular design that can be adapted for various lighting setups.

Implementation Method 1

each of which has adjacent optical lenses, the lenses each deflecting and/or refracting the light generated by an associated illuminant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the lenses each deflecting and/or refracting the light generated by an associated illuminant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3293443B1Optical unit for a luminaire
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 RIDI LEUCHTEN GMBH
  • EP3293443B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3293443B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3293443B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to an optical unit (1) for a luminaire (9). Uniform and/or glare-reduced illumination by means of the optical unit (1) is achieved by the optical unit (1) having a frame part (2) in which at least two parallel optical rows (3) are provided, wherein each optical row (3) has several optical lenses (12), each of which is open on one side. The invention further relates to a luminaire (9) with at least one such optical unit (1) and light sources (42), as well as a modular system (35) for manufacturing such a luminaire (9).