Optically Patterned Waveguide for Uniform Vertical Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED-based area lighting systems are inefficient in uniformly illuminating vertically oriented surfaces, as they often misdirect light to non-target areas and suffer from significant scattering and absorbent losses, resulting in non-uniform illumination and luminance drop from top to bottom.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optically patterned waveguide with elongated facets that redirect light from LEDs to vertically and horizontally oriented surfaces, optimizing light distribution and reducing total internal reflective losses, ensuring uniform brightness across all areas of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional LED-based lighting systems are used to illuminate vertically oriented surfaces, then light can be provided to the area, but the illumination is non-uniform with luminance drop from top to bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple optical zones along its length, with each zone containing discrete light sources and corresponding optical elements. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light distribution for different vertical sections, ensuring uniform illumination across the entire illuminated surface while reducing energy waste in any single zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the waveguide are equipped with different optical characteristics tailored to their specific illumination needs. The optical elements (lenses, reflectors, diffusers) are locally optimized to direct light at appropriate angles and intensities for each vertical section, preventing luminance drop and ensuring consistent illumination quality throughout the illuminated area.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional lighting systems direct light beams overhead, then light sources can be mounted on ceilings, but light is misdirected to non-target areas such as ceilings and upper walls
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing light upward from ceiling-mounted sources, the system inverts the approach by using downward-directed light from overhead LED sources that enters the waveguide and is then redirected downward at optimized angles. This inversion ensures light is extracted from the waveguide in the correct direction to illuminate target areas effectively, eliminating waste on ceilings and upper walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary between the overhead LED light sources and the target illuminated surfaces. It receives light from the LEDs, processes it through optical elements, and delivers it to the intended areas with proper distribution and direction, thereby improving both extraction efficiency and target brightness.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lighting systems are used, then simple mounting is possible, but significant scattering and absorbent losses occur within the lighting fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light guide, houses optical elements, provides structural support, and enables precise light distribution control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while minimizing light losses through integrated optical management.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical light redirection mechanisms are replaced with optically patterned waveguide structures that use refractive and reflective optical elements integrated into the waveguide itself. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and potential loss points while maintaining ease of installation and manufacturing.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of light extraction and direction, providing improved uniformity and brightness to targeted areas, reducing energy costs and ensuring lower shelves are illuminated with the same intensity as upper shelves, thus highlighting objects more effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one major surface includes an optical pattern having elongated facets, wherein each of the elongated facets extends into the major surface and through the entire length of the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
an optically patterned waveguide with elongated facets that redirect light from LEDs to vertically and horizontally oriented surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Optically patterned waveguides and systems employing optically patterned waveguides are provided. The optically patterned waveguide is configured for use in a lighting system and arranged perpendicular to an overhead structure, such as a ceiling. The optically patterned waveguide includes major surfaces that are patterned with a plurality of elongated facets formed into the major surfaces and extending in a direction parallel to the length of the waveguide. The optically patterned waveguide provides illumination patterns having increased uniformity.