Wash Light Luminaire Homogenizing LED Array via Light Guide Optic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED-based wash light luminaires struggle to produce a homogeneous, seamless light output with a large effective source, as individual LED colors are often visible, and the light distribution is not truly blended.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a light guide optic with internal reflection, which collects, homogenizes, and directs light from an array of LEDs, and a diffuser arm that can be positioned to either maintain the flower effect or transition to a wash light mode, ensuring true blending and a large effective light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple LED emitters are used to produce light output, then the luminaire can provide adjustable color and intensity control, but the individual LED emitters remain visible producing a multi-colored effect rather than a homogeneous single color output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor controlVSAvoidhomogeneous light output

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A light guide optic is introduced as an intermediary component between the multiple LED emitters and the output. The light guide collects light from all LEDs, internally reflects and homogenizes it, then outputs it as a unified single-color beam, masking the individual LED sources while preserving color control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple separate LED light sources emitting different colors are merged into a single homogeneous light output. The light guide optic combines the light paths from all LEDs, mixing them internally to produce a unified beam that appears as a single color source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a secondary lens is used to homogenize light output, then the light distribution is improved, but the output lens is not completely filled and light appears to emit from only the centre portion, reducing the effective light source size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehomogeneous light outputVSAvoideffective light source area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a secondary lens to homogenize light (which concentrates light to the centre), the patent inverts the approach by using a light guide optic that distributes light across the entire output aperture. The light guide's internal reflection surfaces ensure light fills the complete output area, maximizing the effective source size while maintaining homogeneity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If LED light sources are used to produce narrow beams, then the system can provide directed lighting, but it is difficult to produce multiple beam systems due to the high etendue of LEDs compared to HID sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight directionalityVSAvoidmultiple beam capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide optic is segmented into multiple independent light guide elements, each capable of producing a separate narrow beam. Each segment receives light from the LED array and independently collimates it, enabling multiple beam output from a single LED source without requiring multiple HID bulbs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution achieves a controllable, seamless lighting effect with a large effective light source, allowing for dynamic patterns and efficient light distribution, while maintaining the ability to produce a flower effect or wash light mode as desired.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing an array of light guides with internal reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInternal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a diffuser arm that can be positioned to either maintain the flower effect or transition to a wash light mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3436740B1A wash light luminaire with special effects capabilities

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 ROBE LIGHTING SRO

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AI summary

Presented is a multi parameter automated luminaire comprised of a plurality of light engine modules a plurality of which by design homogenize light emitted by its light sources more fully than at least one of the light engine modules which is intentionally designed to noticeably not fully homogenize the light emitted by its light sources. In the preferred embodiment the non homogenizing light engine module also includes light modulator(s) optionally engagable to more fully homogenize the light output from that light engine module.