Segmented Reflector and Variable LED Array for Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED sports lighting fixtures suffer from excessive glare due to high luminous intensity and uncontrolled brightness, causing visual discomfort and reduced visibility for spectators and athletes, as manufacturers prioritize efficiency and lumen output over light quality.
Innovation Solution
The development of light fixtures with variable LED array sizes and a segmented reflector, combined with Light Shaping Diffusers and a broad glass anti-reflecting lens, which shape and diffuse light to eliminate hotspots and glare while maintaining high transmission efficiency, reducing lumen density and improving light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manufacturers utilize higher efficiency LEDs and force light through small individual TIR lenses and reflectors to push as much light as possible out of a fixture, then lumen output and efficiency are improved, but glare and hotspots increase causing visual discomfort and reduced visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LED array into multiple segments or zones, each with its own optical control elements. This segmentation allows different portions of the light output to be directed and diffused independently, reducing concentrated hotspots and glare while maintaining overall high lumen output across the fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical elements such as diffusers, reflectors, and lens arrays positioned between the high-efficiency LEDs and the external environment. These intermediaries redistribute and soften the intense light from efficient LEDs, reducing glare and hotspots while preserving the high lumen output benefit.
2Use of energy by moving object
If light is forced through small individual TIR lenses to concentrate light for better delivery, then light delivery efficiency is improved, but unacceptable levels of glare are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the lighting system. Small TIR lenses are used in regions where concentrated light delivery is needed, while larger diffusing elements are used in regions where glare control is prioritized. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of light delivery efficiency and glare reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite optical systems combining multiple material types and structures - TIR lenses made from specific optical plastics, diffusing materials with particular transmission properties, and reflective surfaces with tailored geometries. This composite approach enables the system to achieve both efficient light delivery and acceptable glare levels by leveraging the complementary strengths of different optical materials.
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 effectively reduces glare and enhances light quality by distributing light evenly, minimizing hotspots and improving visibility without compromising the high output of the LED fixtures, making them more suitable for sports venues.
Implementation Method 1
a broad glass anti-reflecting lens, which shape and diffuse light to eliminate hotspots and glare
Implementation Method 2
Light Shaping Diffusers and a broad glass anti-reflecting lens, which shape and diffuse light to eliminate hotspots and glare
Implementation Method 3
segmented reflector, combined with Light Shaping Diffusers and a broad glass anti-reflecting lens, which shape and diffuse light
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure of the present invention includes light fixtures having variable LED array sizes to form different beam angles. These light fixtures are particularly suitable for sports/venue lights and are characterized by highly concentrated high power small LED light sources including small light sources of different size LED arrays which may include additional diffusion. The present disclosure also includes a lens which substantially dissipates light to reduce if not eliminate glare. The lens may be pressed, chemically etched (pickled), or sandblasted to become a micro-lens. The lens may, alternately, be a plastic material. A further aspect of the present disclosure is the incorporation of a segmented reflector to greatly reduce glare. A single reflector may be segmented in its circumference or may be formed of multiple individual segments.