Integrated TIR Refractor for Outdoor Light Fixture Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor light fixtures emit light in undesirable directions, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the use of large external and small internal reflectors, which compromise optical efficiency and installation time.
Innovation Solution
An optic with a first refractor portion and a second total internal reflection refractor portion, where the second portion redirects light emitted in undesirable directions back towards the desirable direction, enhancing light control without external shields or reflectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large external reflectors are positioned adjacent the light fixtures to redirect emitted light, then light direction control is improved, but optical efficiency is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reflector and refractor functions into a single integrated optic component. The optic includes both reflective surfaces (first and second reflector surfaces) and refractive surfaces (lens surfaces) that work together to redirect light, eliminating the need for separate external reflectors and reducing optical losses while maintaining directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions small internal reflectors within the primary optic structure. The first reflector surface is located within the optic body, and the second reflector surface is positioned within a cavity formed by the lens surfaces. This nesting approach allows the reflectors to be integrated within the optic rather than requiring separate external components.
2Ease of operation
If small internal reflectors are positioned within the primary optic, then light direction control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (reflection, refraction, light redirection) into a single integrated optic component. The reflective surfaces and refractive lens surfaces are manufactured as one unified structure, simplifying both manufacturing and installation while maintaining precise light direction control.
3Productivity
If external reflectors are used to redirect light, then light is directed towards the intended target, but the fixtures become more expensive and time-consuming to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all light direction control functions into a single optic component that combines reflective and refractive surfaces. This integration eliminates the need for separate external reflectors, reducing both material costs and installation time while maintaining high light direction efficiency towards the intended target.
4Illumination intensity
If light fixtures emit light in multiple directions, then illumination coverage is increased, but light is wasted in undesirable directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different surfaces of the optic with different optical properties to control light direction. The first and second reflector surfaces redirect light from specific angles, while the lens surfaces refract and focus light towards the intended target. This localized control of light properties ensures that illumination is concentrated where needed while minimizing waste in undesirable directions.
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 optic achieves over 95% optical efficiency by directing the majority of light towards the intended target area, significantly reducing unwanted light emission and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The first optic portion is configured to refract light rays emitted by at least one light source
Implementation Method 2
the second cavity rear surface is configured to refract other light rays toward the at least one total internal reflection surface
Implementation Method 3
the at least one internal reflection surface is configured to reflect the light rays toward the first side of the optic
Data Source
AI summary
An optic having a first optic portion located on a first side of the optic and a second optic portion formed integrally with the first optic portion and located on a second side of the optic. A first cavity is defined by a first cavity inner surface in the first optic portion, the first optic portion being configured to refract light rays emitted by at least one light source. The second optic portion includes at least one total internal reflection surface and a second cavity defined at least partially by a second cavity rear surface that extends at an angle between 20° and 60°, inclusive, relative to an axis defining the height the of the optic. The second cavity rear surface is configured to refract other light rays toward the at least one total internal reflection surface, and the at least one internal reflection surface is configured to reflect the light rays toward the first side of the optic.