Steerable Luminaire via Source-Optic Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems face challenges with color non-uniformity and angular distribution in LEDs, leading to inefficient light mixing structures that reduce energy efficiency and require larger optics, as well as difficulties in adjusting beam pointing and achieving configurable illumination patterns without compromising efficiency or aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The use of compact refractive optical systems with mixing channels and adjustable lenses, along with a lightguide-based approach, allows for improved beam quality, adjustability, and configurability by selectively interacting with light emitted at low angles and edges, and enabling precise control over light distribution through relative translation of the emitting source and optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional light mixing structures are used to improve color uniformity, then color non-uniformity is reduced, but energy efficiency decreases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light mixing structure is divided into multiple discrete optical elements (lenses, reflectors, or light guides) arranged in an array configuration. Each element independently processes light from its corresponding LED, enabling localized mixing and uniformity control without requiring a single large inefficient mixing structure, thus improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining color uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical elements in the array are designed with varying properties (different focal lengths, curvatures, or geometries) to locally address specific lighting requirements. This allows optimized light mixing and uniformity control in different regions of the luminaire, improving energy efficiency by avoiding uniform over-design across the entire light output area.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional light mixing structures are used to improve color uniformity, then color non-uniformity is reduced, but the size of optical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light mixing function is segmented across multiple small optical elements arranged in an array, replacing a single large mixing structure. Each small element (lens, reflector, or light guide) performs localized light mixing, achieving uniform color distribution across the entire light output without requiring a large individual component, thus reducing the area occupied by stationary optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light mixing is achieved through a distributed two-dimensional array of optical elements rather than a single three-dimensional volumetric mixing structure. This dimensional transformation allows compact packaging while maintaining effective light mixing and color uniformity, reducing the overall footprint of the optical system.
3Shape
If directional light fixtures are designed for aesthetic purposes, then visual appearance is improved, but adjustability of beam pointing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire incorporates adjustable optical elements (such as tiltable lenses, reflectors, or light guides) that can be dynamically repositioned to change beam pointing direction. These dynamic components are integrated into the housing design, allowing the fixture to maintain its aesthetic appearance in any installed position while providing full adjustability for beam direction control during installation or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical array is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the desired aesthetic light distribution pattern while simultaneously enabling adjustable beam pointing through integrated mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to deliver both aesthetic and adjustable performance without requiring separate systems.
4Device complexity
If the emitting source is fixed relative to the optical system, then structural simplicity is maintained, but beam pointing adjustability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed source-optic configuration to a dynamic adjustable configuration where either the light emitting sources or the optical elements can be repositioned relative to each other. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms that allow beam pointing control while maintaining overall structural simplicity, avoiding complex motorized or electronically controlled positioning systems.
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
This solution enhances light uniformity and intensity while maintaining beam power and width, reduces light loss, and allows for efficient production of customizable illumination patterns from a compact luminaire, addressing the inefficiencies and aesthetic limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a lightguide-based approach, allows for improved beam quality, adjustability, and configurability
Implementation Method 2
compact refractive optical systems with mixing channels and adjustable lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable illumination fixture includes an emitting source and a refractive optical system that steers an emitted beam by relative translation of the emitting source against the optical system. The light emitting source may be placed along an optical axis of one or more lenses to produce an output beam along that axis, or translated in-plane (orthogonal to the optical axis) relative to the lenses to produce a steered beam. The optical system may include refractive lenses or mixing channels and/or one or more baffles with apertures. A round, uniform beam results that retains approximately the same power level and beam width as it is steered. A second lens having a diameter equal to or larger than a first lens may be provided and configured with an effective focal plane of the two lenses located approximately at the plane of the light emitting source.