Troffer Light Fixture Cross-Lighting LED Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED-based troffer light fixtures face limitations in luminous efficacy and light quality compared to fluorescent fixtures, with LED light being harsher and less efficient, requiring diffusers that compromise efficiency to soften the light.
Innovation Solution
Implementing cross-lighting in LED-based troffer fixtures by directing LEDs at an angle to intersect and mix light outside the fixture, using optical coatings on interior surfaces to enhance light distribution and quality, and allowing for removable LED modules with adjustable light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If diffusers with low transmission properties are used to soften LED light, then the harshness of LED light is reduced, but the efficiency of the fixture is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cross-lighting by directing LEDs at angles greater than 90 degrees relative to the troffer interior surface, causing light to travel in multiple dimensions and intersect outside the fixture. This dimensional change allows light to soften through geometric distribution rather than through absorbing diffusers, maintaining efficiency while reducing harshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the troffer housing structure itself as an intermediary element. By positioning LEDs to emit light across the troffer interior surface and having the housing walls intercept and redirect this light, the housing acts as a passive light-modifying intermediary that softens LED output without requiring additional low-transmission diffusers.
2Device complexity
If LEDs are positioned to emit light down and out of the troffer, then the fixture structure is simplified, but the light distribution quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends light emission into the horizontal dimension by positioning LEDs to emit at angles greater than 90 degrees relative to the vertical interior surface. This creates cross-lighting that intersects outside the fixture, adding a horizontal light distribution component that improves overall light quality without requiring complex internal reflectors or diffusers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the LED positioning into multiple orientations: some LEDs emit downward while others emit across the interior surface at angles greater than 90 degrees. This segmentation of emission directions allows the fixture to maintain structural simplicity while achieving superior light distribution through the combined effect of different LED orientations.
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
Achieves a softer, more evenly distributed light with improved aesthetics and efficiency, maintaining the advantages of LED technology while addressing harshness and efficacy issues.
Implementation Method 1
a light source is provided by a LED package or a LED module including several LED packages
Implementation Method 2
an interior surface of the troffer can be treated with one or more coatings so that some light emitted by the LED can reflect from the interior surface
Data Source
AI summary
This is directed to a troffer-style light fixture using a LED light to cross-light internal surfaces of the troffer. In particular, this is directed to a troffer-style fixture having several receptacles for receiving LED modules. The modules can be inserted in the fixture such that some light emitted by the LED modules is directed towards an opposite surface of the fixture, causing light from opposite LED modules to mix as light is emitted from the fixture (e.g., cross lighting the fixture environment. The resulting light transmitted and reflected by the troffer can have softer qualities than direct light emitted by a LED module, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of light provided by the fixture. In some embodiments, one or more optical treatments can be applied to internal surfaces of the fixture to enhance the light output by the fixture.