Low Profile Wall Wash Light Redistribution Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wall wash light fixtures with tall reflector kickers are not suitable for shallow plenum spaces, and single vertical reflector kickers in shallow fixtures fail to effectively redirect light for adequate wall illumination.

Innovation Solution

A low profile wall wash light fixture with a light redistribution apparatus featuring a ring-shaped outer collar and angled reflector sections that redirect light from a light module towards a vertical surface while allowing the remainder to pass unobstructed, providing uniform illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a tall vertical reflector kicker is used, then effective wall illumination is achieved, but the fixture height becomes too large for shallow plenum spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall illumination effectivenessVSAvoidfixture height
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single vertical reflector kicker is divided into multiple redirection segments (first, second, and third segments) with different orientations. These segments work together to redirect light onto the wall, achieving effective illumination without requiring a tall single reflector structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a tall vertical reflector, the invention uses multiple segments arranged in a shallow configuration that extends horizontally rather than vertically. This dimensional change allows the fixture to fit in shallow plenum spaces while still achieving wall illumination through coordinated light redirection from multiple angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If a shallow and wide trim is used, then the fixture fits in shallow plenum spaces, but a single vertical reflector kicker cannot redirect enough light for effective wall wash

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixture heightVSAvoidwall illumination effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector system is segmented into multiple redirection segments with different orientations. The first segment redirects light at a first angle, the second segment at a second angle, and the third segment at a third angle, collectively providing sufficient light redirection for effective wall wash in shallow fixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple redirection segments are combined within the shallow fixture to achieve the light redirection function that would otherwise require a tall single reflector. The segments work together synergistically to redirect adequate light onto the wall while maintaining a shallow profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If multiple redirection segments are added to a shallow fixture, then effective wall wash is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall illumination effectivenessVSAvoidreflector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple redirection segments are merged into a single integrated reflector assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This reduces the complexity of installation and maintenance while achieving effective wall wash through coordinated light redirection from multiple segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively illuminates vertical surfaces with an asymmetric light distribution while also illuminating other areas, overcoming the limitations of conventional fixtures in shallow installations.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of redirection segments that are disposed within the outer collar and across at least a portion of the second cavity such that they redirect a portion of the light from the first direction toward a second direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10451252B1Light redistribution apparatus for low profile wall wash light fixtures
Publication Date: 2019.10.22 COOPER TECH CO
  • US10451252B1 patent drawing
  • US10451252B1 patent drawing
  • US10451252B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A light fixture includes a housing that defines a first cavity. Further, the light fixture includes a light module that is disposed in the first cavity and is configured to emit light in a first direction. Furthermore, the light fixture includes a light redistribution apparatus that is coupled to the housing and is disposed in the first cavity to receive the light from the light module. The light redistribution apparatus includes an outer collar comprising a body that defines a second cavity. Further, the light redistribution apparatus includes a plurality of redirection segments that are disposed within the outer collar and across at least a portion of the second cavity such that they redirect a portion of the light that is emitted in the first direction towards a second direction and allow a remainder portion of the light to travel unobstructed towards the first direction.