Solid State Retroreflective Lamp with Segmented Parabolas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid state directional lamps with total internal reflection (TIR) optics have distracting appearances due to unlit areas between lenses, and large TIR lenses are expensive and difficult to manufacture, leading to a need for improved designs that provide low face brightness and a lack of individual emitter visibility.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates solid state light emitters that direct light into a reflector with segmented parabolas and mirrored walls, along with an air passageway for cooling, to achieve low face brightness and a uniform appearance, utilizing a hybrid solid state emitter printed circuit board to optimize light distribution and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If TIR optics are used to provide controlled beams of light, then light directionality is improved, but face brightness becomes too high and individual emitters become visible
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple segmented parabolas, each associated with a solid state light emitter. This segmentation allows each emitter to be directed into its own parabolic reflector section, controlling light directionality while distributing the light source across multiple smaller elements rather than one large optic, thereby reducing visible contrast and face brightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retroreflective layer positioned behind the segmented parabolas that reflects light back through the parabolas toward the front face. This adds a dimensional element (backward reflection) that redistributes light intensity across the face, reducing hot spots and making individual emitters less visible while maintaining directional control.
2Speed
If large TIR optics are used to control light beams, then light control is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large TIR optic, the system divides the light control function across multiple smaller segmented parabolas. Each parabolic section is simpler and less expensive to manufacture than a large TIR lens, while collectively they provide equivalent or superior light control. The segmentation allows for modular assembly and reduces manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple reflection mechanisms (front surface reflection from segmented parabolas and back surface retroreflection) to achieve light control that would otherwise require a single large complex optic. This merging of simpler reflective elements achieves the same light control function at lower manufacturing cost and complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple small lenses are used instead of large TIR optics, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but contrast between light and support structure becomes more distracting
Solution Approach 1:
The use of multiple small parabolic reflector sections distributes the light-emitting areas across the face of the lamp. By segmenting the light source into multiple smaller elements rather than one large optic or few large lenses, the visual contrast between lit and unlit areas is reduced, creating a more uniform appearance while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflective layer adds a backward reflection dimension that redistributes light intensity across the face. Light that would otherwise create intense localized brightness is reflected back through the parabolas, spreading the intensity distribution and reducing visual contrast between individual emitter areas and the support structure.
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 provides a uniform appearance by directing light into segmented parabolas and mirrored walls, while the air passageway ensures effective cooling, enhancing the overall performance and aesthetic appeal of the lamps.
Implementation Method 1
The geometric curve is configured to reflect light rays received from the solid state light emitter away from the lamp and is configured to reflect light rays received form the reflective surface away from the lamp
Implementation Method 2
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 may include reflector defining a geometric curve, a reflective surface that is separable from the reflector defining the geometric curve, and a solid state light emitter. The solid state light emitter is positioned to direct light rays towards the reflector defining the geometric curve and to direct light rays towards the reflective surface. The reflective surface is configured to direct light rays from the solid state light emitter into the geometric curve. The geometric curve is configured to reflect light rays received from the solid state light emitter away from the lamp and is configured to reflect light rays received form the reflective surface away from the lamp.