Suspended LED Fixture Upward Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suspended lighting fixtures using LEDs often create a 'cave effect' due to insufficient upward-directed light, leading to disorienting and unpleasant spatial perceptions in large rooms with high ceilings, as the ceiling and area above the fixture remain poorly illuminated.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates features such as elongated bodies with integrated lenses or dual-sided PCBs with LEDs on both sides, and additional LEDs mounted on power strips to direct light upward, increasing uplight illumination and improving illumination uniformity by allowing light to be emitted in opposite directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If suspended lighting fixtures use LEDs with downward-directed light only, then energy efficiency is improved, but illumination uniformity deteriorates due to insufficient upward light
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is segmented into multiple light sources positioned at different orientations. Downward-directed LEDs illuminate the workspace, while upward-directed LEDs (mounted on power strips or integrated into the fixture structure) illuminate the ceiling, creating distinct lighting zones that together achieve uniform overall illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lighting fixture provide different lighting qualities. The downward-facing portions provide task lighting for work surfaces, while upward-facing portions provide ambient lighting for the ceiling and upper space, with each region optimized for its specific function.
2Illumination intensity
If suspended lighting fixtures direct light only downward, then task lighting is improved, but spatial perception deteriorates due to the 'cave effect' in large rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is segmented into task lighting (downward) and ambient/spatial lighting (upward). By adding upward-directed light sources, the fixture simultaneously maintains effective task lighting while eliminating the cave effect and improving spatial perception in large rooms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting solution transitions from a single downward direction to a multi-dimensional lighting pattern by incorporating upward-directed light. This adds the upward dimension to light distribution, creating a more balanced three-dimensional illumination environment that improves spatial awareness.
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 uplight illumination, reducing the 'cave effect' and providing more uniform lighting, which improves spatial perception and reduces disorientation in large spaces.
Implementation Method 1
LEDs are solid state devices that convert electric energy to light and generally comprise one or more active regions of semiconductor material interposed between oppositely doped semiconductor layers. When a bias is applied across the doped layers, holes and electrons are injected into the active region where they recombine to generate light.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to lighting fixtures, such as suspended lighting fixtures. Devices according to the present disclosure provide lighting fixtures capable of emitting in one or more primary directions, while simultaneously emitting in a direction toward a mount surface, reducing undesirable areas of insufficient light and more efficiently illuminating a space. Lighting fixtures disclosed herein can achieve this increase in illumination efficiency in many ways, including utilizing various lighting element arrangements, such as dual-sided lighting elements, and various lens arrangements, such as lens shape affecting the direction of emitted light.