Hinged Troffer Lens Assembly for Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting fixtures, particularly troffers with fluorescent lamps, face issues of brightness and glare, which are not adequately addressed by existing designs, leading to shadows and bright spots, especially in smaller areas, and there is a need for improved solutions that minimize light leakage and facilitate easy access for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A troffer lighting fixture with a hinged lens cover assembly that includes a reflector and opposed end walls, where the lens assembly is securely attached to the housing with a minimum number of parts and fasteners, allowing for easy assembly, access to lamps, and effective light direction without excessive glare or shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional fluorescent lamps are used in lighting fixtures, then illumination is provided, but brightness and glare are objectionable when viewed directly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens as an intermediary component between the fluorescent lamp and the viewer. The lens refracts and diffuses the light rays, transforming the direct harsh light into a softer, more diffuse illumination pattern that reduces glare while maintaining adequate illumination levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the lighting fixture. The lens is positioned to cover specific areas where glare reduction is needed, while reflectors are strategically placed to direct light to particular zones, creating localized quality variations in light distribution.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If opaque shielding or lenses are added to reduce brightness and glare, then glare is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The lens is designed to simultaneously diffuse light and serve as part of the housing structure, while reflectors are positioned to both direct light and provide structural support, reducing the need for separate shielding elements and simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If lighting assemblies are designed to balance illumination of horizontal and vertical surfaces, then light quality is improved, but shadows and bright spots occur in smaller areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular dimension considerations in light distribution. By strategically positioning reflectors at different angles and using a lens with specific optical geometry, the system distributes light across multiple angular dimensions, ensuring uniform illumination on both horizontal and vertical surfaces while minimizing hot spots and shadows in compact spaces.
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 lighting assembly that effectively directs light to designated areas, minimizes shadows and glare, and allows for easy maintenance by ensuring the lens and reflector are securely attached, reducing light leakage and enhancing the overall lighting quality.
Implementation Method 1
The lens often includes prisms to diffuse the light and soften the glare
Implementation Method 2
The lens often includes prisms to diffuse the light and soften the glare
Implementation Method 3
The reflector is positioned adjacent the lens to reflect light passing through the lens in the desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly is provided having a main housing and a lens assembly hinged to the main housing. The lens assembly has a body with end walls with a recess in an upper end of the end walls. The recess in each end wall has a dimension to receive and support a lens for directing light to the target area. The lens has a length greater than the length of the cover so that the ends of the lens extend beyond the outer edge of the end walls of the cover. Stop members are provided on the end walls to limit longitudinal movements of the lens with respect to the body of the lens assembly. A reflector extends from a bottom edge of the cover to an upper edge overlying a portion of the lens. A spring clip is provided to couple the lens to the reflector.