Wall Wash Light Fixture Reflector System for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wall wash light fixtures struggle to distribute light evenly along a wall's height, with areas closer to the ceiling receiving significantly more light than those near the floor, and existing fixtures are often obtrusive in design.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture with a housing and reflector system that includes direct and indirect reflection surfaces, where light is emitted from a source, directly reflected to upper wall portions and indirectly reflected to lower portions, ensuring even illumination and a minimized profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is emitted directly from the light source toward the wall, then the ceiling area receives more light, but the floor area receives insufficient light
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple distinct zones (first reflector zone, second reflector zone, third reflector zone, fourth reflector zone) with different orientations and reflectivity characteristics. Each zone is configured to reflect light to specific wall portions, enabling differentiated light distribution across the wall height while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the reflector are assigned different local properties - the first and second reflector zones have first reflectivity characteristics optimized for ceiling area illumination, while the third and fourth reflector zones have second reflectivity characteristics optimized for floor area illumination. This local differentiation achieves uniform overall light distribution without requiring complex global redesign.
2Shape
If a traditional wall wash fixture is used, then the fixture can be installed recessed in the ceiling, but the fixture itself becomes obtrusive in the space
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the traditional ceiling-mounted position and repositioned within a recessed housing that extends downward from the ceiling plane. The reflector system is extracted and configured within this housing to redirect light upward and outward, achieving even wall illumination while keeping the visible fixture profile minimal and unobtrusive.
Solution Approach 2:
The light distribution problem is solved by adding a vertical dimension to the reflector configuration. The reflector zones are arranged at different angles and positions within the housing, utilizing three-dimensional space to redirect light to multiple wall heights simultaneously, thereby achieving uniform illumination without increasing the horizontal footprint of the fixture.
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 achieves a more uniform light distribution along the wall, reducing the intensity ratio from ceiling to floor and providing a less obtrusive design by using a reflector system with specific zones and materials to manage light reflection effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector disposed such that light emitted from the light source is received by the reflector and reflected, wherein the reflector includes: a direct reflection surface disposed within the housing for receiving light emitted from the light source and reflecting (a) a first portion of light directly out of the opening and (b) a second portion of light; and an indirect reflection surface for receiving the second portion of light from the direct reflection surface and reflecting the second portion of light
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture has a housing with a bottom plate at least partially defining an opening. A light source is disposed within the housing. A reflector is disposed such that light emitted from the light source is received by the reflector and reflected. The reflector has a direct reflection surface disposed within the housing for receiving light emitted from the light source and reflecting (a) a first portion of light directly out of the opening and (b) a second portion of light. An indirect reflection surface for receiving the second portion of light from the direct reflection surface and reflecting the second portion of light, wherein the at least a portion of the indirect reflection surface is disposed on an exterior of the bottom plate.