Waveguide Light Fixtures for Independent Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional light fixtures lack the ability to adapt to changing space usage by independently controlling multiple light sources for aesthetically appealing and controllable lighting.
Innovation Solution
The design of light fixtures with multiple light sources and waveguides that allow independent control of luminous output, including LEDs configured to emit light at different color temperatures, and waveguides that disperse light through inner and outer surfaces with high transmittance, enabling flexible lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional light fixtures use a single light source design, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to changing space usage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is segmented into multiple independent light sources (first light source, second light source, third light source) that can be individually controlled. Each light source serves a specific function: the first light source illuminates the waveguide, the second light source provides direct lighting through the opening, and the third light source provides additional lighting. This segmentation enables the fixture to adapt to different space usage scenarios by independently controlling each light source's luminous output.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture integrates multiple light sources and a waveguide into a single universal device that can perform multiple lighting functions simultaneously. The waveguide can be configured to direct light in different directions (upward, downward, sideways), and the multiple light sources can operate in various combinations to create different lighting effects, making the fixture versatile for changing space usage throughout the day.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used for independent control, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary element that receives light from the first light source and directs it to specific zones. This intermediary structure enables independent control of different lighting zones without requiring separate fixtures, as the waveguide can be selectively illuminated to create different lighting scenarios while managing the complexity of having multiple light sources.
3Ease of operation
If waveguide is used to direct light, then lighting control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is designed with flexible configuration options where the second end can be positioned in different orientations (above, below, or beside the first end) to direct light in different directions. This dynamic configurability allows the same waveguide structure to achieve multiple lighting control scenarios, improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing by using a standardized waveguide component that can be installed in various configurations.
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
Enables adaptable lighting solutions that enhance aesthetic appeal by allowing independent control of light sources and zones of varying luminance, providing enhanced visual interest and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide comprising a first end comprising a first surface and a second end comprising a second surface, wherein the waveguide is configured to be coupled to the body such that light emitted from the first light source is received by the first end and is directed to the second end
Implementation Method 2
the waveguide is configured to disperse light received from the first light source at a first color temperature
Implementation Method 3
a first light source configured to be coupled to the body, the first light source configured to emit light
Implementation Method 4
for each of the plurality of LEDs of the first light source
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present light fixtures include a body, a waveguide, and one or more independently-controllable light sources. The waveguide is configured to be coupled to the body and may include a first end configured to receive light emitted from at least one of the light source(s) and to direct the received light to (and in some embodiments, emit the received light from) a second end of the waveguide. In some embodiments of the present fixtures, the waveguide defines an opening through which light emitted from at least one of the light source(s) can pass, the light source(s) being coupled to the body such that a first one of the light source(s) emits light into the first end of the waveguide and a second one of the light source emits light through the opening.