Optical Waveguide Light Extraction for Controlled Luminaire Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not effectively addressed the challenge of efficiently controlling and directing light in specific applications such as roadway, street, or parking lot lighting, particularly in the context of the lighting industry. Existing technologies have not adequately addressed the need for efficient control of light distribution in luminaires, especially in applications such as LED-based luminaires, which suffer from low efficiency and non-uniform light distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical waveguides with integrated coupling, distribution, and extraction elements to control light distribution, including features such as light redirection and extraction surfaces, allows for controlled light patterns and improved efficiency in lighting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light is extracted uniformly across the waveguide surface, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the light distribution pattern cannot control unwanted illumination areas
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide surface is divided into multiple extraction regions with different extraction characteristics. Each region has tailored extraction features (such as different densities, sizes, or types of extraction structures) that provide localized light extraction control. This allows different parts of the waveguide to extract light at different rates and patterns, enabling controlled illumination of desired areas while minimizing light extraction in unwanted areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extraction features are added to control light distribution, then light distribution control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple functional zones along its length, with each zone containing extraction features optimized for its specific purpose. The extraction features themselves are segmented into repeating units or patterns that can be manufactured using standardized processes. This segmentation allows complex light distribution control to be achieved through modular design, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of varying extraction features only along the length of the waveguide, the design incorporates variation in multiple dimensions including transverse positioning, depth, and three-dimensional shaping of extraction features. This multi-dimensional approach enables sophisticated light distribution control without requiring excessive complexity in any single dimension, allowing for more efficient optimization of the extraction pattern.
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 solution enables precise control over light distribution, enhancing lighting efficiency and uniformity, particularly in applications requiring asymmetric or symmetrical 360-degree illumination, addressing the limitations of existing LED-based luminaires.
Implementation Method 1
a body of optically transmissive material exhibiting a total internal reflection characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, optical elements and luminaires employing optical elements are described herein. In some embodiments, an optical element comprises a planar light transmissive body comprising a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the input surface, and light redirection features arranged over the light input surface and the light output surface, the light redirection features comprising refractive facets, reflective facets, facets supporting total internal reflection within the planar light transmissive body, or combinations thereof.