Rotating Reflector for Adjustable LED Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED lamp assemblies produce spot-like light emission, which is undesirable for applications requiring a GLS-like omnidirectional light distribution due to the directional nature of LED light emission.

Innovation Solution

A lamp assembly with a positionable reflector that can be adjusted between two positions to achieve either a half-sphere or omnidirectional light emission, utilizing a reflective layer and base element with openings to direct light in different directions, allowing for adjustable light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a reflector is used to direct light from an LED source, then spot-like light emission is obtained in forward directions, but omnidirectional light emission cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission patternVSAvoidreflector configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is made rotatable about the central axis, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between different positions. This enables the lamp assembly to switch between spot-like emission (when reflector faces forward) and omnidirectional emission (when reflector is rotated 180 degrees), providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed reflector configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single reflector structure serves multiple functions by being rotatable to different positions. In one position, it directs light forward for spot emission; in another position (180 degrees rotated), it directs light backward through openings for omnidirectional emission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reflector configurations for different lighting modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If light is reflected by the reflector towards the base element, then spot-like emission is obtained, but light cannot pass through openings to achieve omnidirectional distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution patternVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector's rotatability allows easy adjustment between two primary positions: one where light reflects onto the base element for spot emission, and another where light passes through openings for omnidirectional emission. The dynamic adjustment is simplified by using a single rotational degree of freedom rather than complex multi-axis mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base element is pre-configured with openings positioned to receive reflected light when the reflector is in the correct orientation. The reflector is designed with specific geometric features that naturally guide light toward these pre-positioned openings, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Illumination intensity

If the reflector is positioned to direct light forward, then spot-like emission is obtained, but backward light emission is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforward light emissionVSAvoidemission direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector can be rotated to change the direction of reflected light. When positioned in the forward-facing orientation, it concentrates light in forward directions for intense spot emission. When rotated 180 degrees, it redirects light backward through the base element openings, enabling omnidirectional emission pattern

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector's orientation is inverted by 180 degrees to change the emission pattern. Instead of always facing forward to concentrate light, the reflector can be positioned facing backward, inverting the light direction and enabling light to pass through the base element openings for omnidirectional distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables flexible light emission patterns from spot-like to omnidirectional, enhancing compatibility with traditional GLS-bulb applications and user-adjustable orientation for specific lighting needs.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector for reflecting light from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

light from the light source and reflected by the reflector segments is directed onto the base element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2443380B1Lamp assembly
Publication Date: 2014.09.10 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2443380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2443380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2443380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lamp assembly (1) comprises at least a light source (8) and a reflector for reflecting light from the light source (8). The reflector is positionable with respect to the light source (8) in at least a first position and a second position to obtain a spot-like light emission in the first position and a more or less omnidirectional light emission, in the second position, of the light emitted by the lamp assembly (1). The lamp assembly (1) comprises a reflective layer (7). In the first position of the reflector at least part of the light is reflected by the reflector as well as by the reflective layer (7). In the second position of the reflector at least part of the light is reflected by the reflector and passes along the reflective layer (7).