Recessed Wall Wash Optics for Uniform Light With Low Glare
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall wash light fixtures fail to meet desired performance characteristics such as light uniformity, minimal glare, absence of dark bands and scalloping, and a small form factor, while also being minimally intrusive.
Innovation Solution
A recessed light fixture design with a collimator assembly, tubular reflector, and offset LED module, combined with a lens and internal kicker reflector, to emit light through a ceiling aperture, achieving uniform illumination and minimizing glare and dark bands, with a small form factor and non-visible reflector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional wall wash light fixture is designed with a large aperture and visible reflector, then it can provide sufficient illumination, but it becomes intrusive and visible below the ceiling level
Solution Approach 1:
The light engine assembly is nested within the ceiling cavity, with the reflector positioned above the ceiling surface and the trim element concealing the assembly from below. This nesting arrangement allows the fixture to provide wall wash illumination while remaining hidden from view in the room space.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the reflective surface from the visible below-ceiling space to the above-ceiling dimension, where it can perform its function without being seen. The trim element creates a new boundary that separates the visible and hidden functional zones.
2Device complexity
If the LED module is positioned on the center axis of the aperture, then the optical path is simplified, but glare is increased and light uniformity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The LED module is deliberately positioned off-center relative to the aperture axis, creating an asymmetric optical path. This asymmetric positioning, combined with the tilted lens and kicker reflector, redirects light away from direct viewer paths (reducing glare) while maintaining uniform distribution across the wall surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different components of the optical system are optimized for different local functions: the offset LED position controls glare, the tilted lens directs light at the optimal angle, and the kicker reflector fills in specific areas to achieve uniformity. Each component contributes a localized function that collectively solves the overall illumination problem.
3Volume of moving object
If a small form factor is used for the light fixture, then it is less intrusive and easier to install, but it becomes difficult to accommodate all necessary components through a small opening
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into separable components: the trim element that remains in the ceiling and the light engine assembly that can be removed. This segmentation allows the light engine to be installed and removed through a small opening while the trim element provides structural support and concealment.
Solution Approach 2:
The light engine assembly is designed with dynamic installability - it can be accessed from above the ceiling for maintenance and replacement, making the system adaptable to maintenance needs despite the small below-ceiling aperture. The removable design allows components to be dynamically accessed without requiring large openings.
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 design provides uniform wall illumination with minimal glare and dark bands, while maintaining a small form factor and non-intrusive installation, ensuring all desired performance characteristics are met.
Implementation Method 1
An LED module operable to emit light through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
The tubular reflector...is operable to direct substantially all of the light emitted from the LED module toward the opening of the tubular reflector
Implementation Method 3
The lens...having a principal axis aligned at a first oblique angle θ1 relative to the optical axis of the LED module
Implementation Method 4
An internal kicker reflector has a reflective surface disposed substantially parallel to the height axis (Z). The reflective surface faces the enter axis of the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A wall wash recessed light fixture has an enclosure, an aperture, an LED module, a tubular reflector, a lens, a trim element and a diffuser. The lens is disposed at an opening of the tubular reflector, has a concave surface facing the LED module and a convex surface facing the aperture, and has a principal axis aligned at an oblique angle Θ1 relative to an optical axis of the LED module. An internal kicker reflector is offset from the optical axis of the LED module toward a second end of the light fixture, and is substantially parallel to a height axis (Z) and lateral axis (X) and faces a center axis of the aperture and. The trim element is disposed below the collimator assembly and at least partially in the opening of the ceiling. A first diffuser covers a first trim opening and is aligned at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis (X).