Waveguide Luminaire with Internal LED Bores for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-efficiency light coupling and non-uniform light distribution in low-profile LED-based luminaires due to the challenges of Lambertian emitting sources and the need for efficient light extraction from a narrow edge of a waveguide plane.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design utilizing a 'back-lit' approach with LED elements located within bores in a waveguide body, featuring coupling cavities with light extraction features and reflective elements to enhance light mixing and uniformity, including the use of refractive interfaces and light redirection features to manage light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED elements are positioned at the edge of a waveguide plane, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves LED elements from the traditional edge position to bore holes within the waveguide body, transitioning from a two-dimensional edge placement to a three-dimensional internal positioning. This dimensional change allows light to be introduced from within the waveguide volume rather than from the periphery, improving both coupling efficiency and distribution uniformity simultaneously
2Length of stationary object
If a narrow edge of the waveguide is used for light extraction, then device profile is reduced, but light extraction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces extraction features such as prisms, gratings, or roughened surfaces within the waveguide structure that create multiple light extraction pathways. These features increase the effective extraction area and opportunities for light to escape the waveguide, compensating for the reduced thickness and maintaining extraction efficiency in low-profile designs
3Ease of manufacture
If Lambertian emitting sources are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but light coupling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coupling cavities and optical interfaces as intermediary structures between the Lambertian LED sources and the waveguide. These intermediaries shape and direct the omnidirectional light from simple LED sources, improving coupling efficiency without requiring complex LED packages while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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
Achieves high coupling efficiency, uniform light intensity, and color temperature, with improved light extraction and distribution, resulting in a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing luminaire with enhanced optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
In accordance with well-known principles of total internal reflectance light traveling through a waveguide is reflected back into the waveguide from an outer surface thereof, provided that the incident light does not exceed a critical angle with respect to the surface.
Implementation Method 2
Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection (TIR), and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into the waveguide.
Implementation Method 3
Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection (TIR), and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into the waveguide.
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire having a waveguide suspended beneath a mounting element, the waveguide has a first surface proximal to the mounting element, a second surface distal to the mounting element, and an edge between the first and the second surfaces. At least one cavity extends into the waveguide from the first surface to the second surface. A LED component is coupled to the waveguide so as to emit light into the cavity. LED support structures are also disclosed.