Solid State Lamp with Segmented Reflector for Uniform Face Brightness
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid state directional lamps with total internal reflection (TIR) optics exhibit distracting appearance due to contrast between lit TIR lenses and support structures, especially at lower mounting heights, and lack uniform face brightness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates solid state light emitters that direct light into a reflector with segmented parabolas and mirrored walls, providing an air passageway for cooling and using a hybrid printed circuit board to minimize the appearance of individual emitters, achieving uniform face brightness and airflow for thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If TIR optics are used to direct light from solid state emitters, then light direction control is improved, but face brightness becomes non-uniform and individual emitters become visible
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp face is segmented into multiple zones, each containing a light emitter and associated optical elements. The housing front surface is divided into discrete segments that can be independently controlled, allowing each emitter to illuminate its specific zone while maintaining overall face uniformity through coordinated operation of multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lamp face are assigned different optical properties and emitter configurations. Each local zone has tailored characteristics including specific emitter types, optical element geometries, and housing segment designs to optimize local illumination while collectively achieving uniform overall face brightness
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple small TIR lenses are used instead of large TIR optics, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but contrast between lit lenses and support structure becomes distracting
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete optical elements are merged into an integrated assembly where small TIR lenses are combined with housing segments, support structures, and additional optical elements to form unified light-directing units. This integration eliminates visual contrasts by making support structures part of the light-guiding system rather than separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary optical elements and housing segments are introduced between the light emitters and the external environment to mediate the appearance. These intermediaries include diffusing housing segments, reflective surfaces, and structural elements that redirect or scatter light to eliminate harsh contrasts while maintaining the benefits of multiple small lenses
3Illumination intensity
If solid state light emitters are positioned to direct light into a reflector, then light distribution is improved, but thermal management becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp structure is segmented to include dedicated thermal management zones separate from optical zones. Heat dissipation pathways are divided into distinct channels that route thermal energy away from emitters through specialized structural elements, allowing independent optimization of optical performance and thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal energy is extracted from the emitter zones through dedicated heat dissipation structures. Thermal management elements are positioned to intercept and remove heat before it accumulates in the optical components, separating the thermal management function from the light generation function
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 results in a solid state directional lamp with low face brightness and a uniform appearance, effectively hiding individual light emitters and enhancing cooling through airflow, addressing the aesthetic and thermal issues of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector defines a geometric curve and a mirrored portion associated with the solid state light emitter. The mirrored portion of the reflector is configured to direct light rays from the solid state light emitter in the geometric curve.
Implementation Method 2
due to the position of the solid state light emitters within the solid state directional lamp design, the disclosed solid state directional lamps provide an air passageway that allows an airflow through the lamp that provides cooling during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state directional lamp is disclosed. The lamp comprises a reflector and a plurality of solid state light emitters directing light rays towards the reflector. For each solid state light emitter of the plurality of solid state light emitters, the reflector defines a segmented parabola and a mirrored wall associated with the light emitter. Each solid state light emitter is positioned in the lamp at a focal point of the segmented parabola associated with the solid state light emitter. For each solid state light, the mirrored wall associated with the solid state light emitter directs light rays from the solid state light emitter into the segmented parabola associated with the same solid state light emitter.