Quasi-Semi-Cylindrical Optical Device for Corridor Dual Wallwash

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light fixtures in long, narrow spaces like corridors face challenges in directing light to needed areas without controlling intensity, often resulting in inefficient light distribution and aesthetically unpleasing illumination.

Innovation Solution

The development of an optical device with a quasi-semi-cylindrical shape and inner optical features that form a cavity, allowing for controlled light distribution by refracting and reflecting light to direct it evenly to both side walls, while minimizing light on the floor and eliminating hard shadows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light fixtures are mounted on the ceiling in corridors to provide illumination, then the space is lit, but the light distribution is uncontrolled and intensity cannot be regulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution controlVSAvoidoptical device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device is divided into multiple functional segments including a light guide portion with multiple light guides, a reflective portion with multiple reflectors, and a diffusive portion with multiple diffusers. Each segment performs a specific optical function to collectively achieve controlled light distribution to both side walls while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional single-direction light emission to multi-dimensional light distribution by using multiple light guides arranged at different angles, multiple reflectors positioned at various orientations, and multiple diffusers distributed across different spatial locations, enabling light to reach both side walls simultaneously from a single ceiling-mounted fixture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If conventional light fixtures are used in corridors, then illumination is provided, but hard shadows are created and aesthetic appeal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidhard shadows

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a diffusive portion comprising multiple diffusers positioned between the light sources and the side walls. These diffusers act as intermediaries that scatter and soften the light rays, eliminating hard shadows and creating uniform, aesthetically pleasing illumination while maintaining effective light distribution to both walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If light is directed to both side walls evenly, then aesthetic appeal improves, but light intensity control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeven light distributionVSAvoidlight intensity control

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different optical properties to different portions of the device: the light guide portion has specific refractive properties for light redirection, the reflective portion has high reflectivity for light bounce, and the diffusive portion has scattering properties for softening. Each local segment is optimized for its specific function to achieve even distribution while maintaining overall system controllability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides more controlled and aesthetically pleasing light distribution in corridors, ensuring compliance with industry standards and ease of maintenance, while effectively directing light to both side walls with optional downlighting, thus improving overall illumination efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

manipulate the light to generate particular light distribution patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

refracting and reflecting light to direct it evenly to both side walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10871270B2Optical devices for providing corridor dual wallwash

Publication Date: 2020.12.22 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

An optical device for a light fixture can include a quasi-semi-cylindrical outer perimeter that includes a substantially planar bottom surface, a top surface located adjacent to the bottom surface, where the top surface has a curvature, and a pair of side surfaces located adjacent to the bottom surface and the top surface, where the pair of side surfaces are located opposite each other. The optical device can also include a body bounded by the outer perimeter. The optical device can further include an inner optical feature disposed in the body at the bottom surface, where the inner optical feature forms a cavity bounded by multiple segments, wherein each two adjacent segments form an angle relative to each other. The cavity can be configured to receive a light source of the light fixture.