Side Light LED Troffer Tube Gradient Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED troffer designs face challenges in achieving uniform light intensity distribution across the length of the troffer, as LEDs are considered point light sources, and using a large number of LEDs to achieve this results in complex and costly designs.
Innovation Solution
A side light LED tube with gradient optics that provides a transparency gradient to control the intensity of light emitted across the surface, allowing for configurable light distribution, including uniform intensity, and an integrated power/thermal management module for easy installation into standard troffer sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large number of LEDs are distributed throughout the troffer to achieve uniform light intensity, then uniform light distribution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical diffuser as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the troffer opening. This diffuser scattersthe light from the LED array, transforming the point-source emission into a uniform area source that appears to emit light from the entire troffer surface, thereby achieving uniform illumination without requiring numerous distributed LEDs
Solution Approach 2:
The optical diffuser creates a virtual image or copy of the light source that appears to be distributed across the troffer surface. Instead of physically placing multiple LEDs throughout the troffer, the system uses optical manipulation to create the effect of distributed light sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining uniform light distribution
2Illumination intensity
If a large number of LEDs are distributed throughout the troffer to achieve uniform light intensity, then uniform light distribution is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical diffuser serves as a cost-effective intermediary that transforms inexpensive LED point sources into uniform area light sources. This approach avoids the high cost of installing and maintaining numerous distributed LEDs while achieving the desired uniform illumination effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light propagation path by introducing the diffuser medium. This alters the light distribution pattern from point-source to area-source characteristics, achieving uniform illumination with fewer LEDs and lower overall system cost
3Reliability
If LEDs are used in troffers to eliminate warm up time and flicker, then reliability is improved, but uniform light distribution becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The optical diffuser acts as a mediator that decouples the reliability advantages of LEDs from the distribution challenges. The diffuser handles the uniform distribution function while the LED array provides the reliable, flicker-free light source, allowing both benefits to coexist
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 side light LED tube effectively achieves uniform or controllable light intensity distribution using gradient optics, reducing complexity and cost while providing reliable and efficient lighting.
Implementation Method 1
the tube comprises gradient optics that are configurable to provide a transparency gradient that operates to control the intensity of light emitted across the surface of the tube
Implementation Method 2
When a forward voltage sufficient to overcome the reverse electric field is applied across the p-n junction, electrons and holes are forced into the active region and combine. When electrons combine with holes, they fall to lower energy levels and release energy in the form of light.
Data Source
AI summary
Side light LED troffer tube. In an aspect, a side light LED tube is provided that includes a tube having at least one light receiving portion configured to receive light and gradient optics formed on the tube. The gradient optics providing a transparency gradient configured to distribute the light to achieve a selected emitted light intensity variation across a selected surface of the tube.