Modular Waveguide Luminaire for Efficient LED Light Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminaires face challenges in efficiently coupling light from LED sources into optical waveguides, leading to low efficiency and inadequate illumination distribution, particularly in large indoor spaces with varying sizes and uses, requiring customizable and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions that can be mounted in different locations.

Innovation Solution

The development of modular luminaires with interchangeable optical waveguides that allow for customizable illumination patterns, utilizing a housing with LED elements coupled to waveguide ends, enabling efficient light transfer and distribution through interchangeable waveguide configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If LED elements are used to direct light into narrow waveguide planes, then light distribution efficiency is improved, but light coupling losses increase due to the mismatch between Lambertian sources and narrow waveguide planes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution efficiencyVSAvoidlight coupling losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces coupling optics as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the waveguide. These coupling optics (including lenses and reflectors) serve as a mediator that transforms the Lambertian emission pattern into a directional beam that can be efficiently coupled into the narrow waveguide plane, thereby reducing light coupling losses while maintaining high light distribution efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs optical parameters transformation by using coupling optics to change the angular distribution and spatial parameters of light. The coupling optics convert the wide-angle Lambertian emission into a narrow, focused beam with specific angular parameters that match the waveguide's acceptance angle, thus improving coupling efficiency and reducing energy losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular luminaires with interchangeable waveguides are used, then customization of illumination patterns is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple interchangeable components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of illumination patternsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the luminaire system into modular segments, with the waveguide as an independent, interchangeable component. This segmentation allows different waveguide modules with specific optical characteristics to be swapped out to achieve different illumination patterns, providing customization while keeping the overall system structure simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal coupling mechanism and mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of waveguide modules. This universal interface allows a single luminaire housing to support various waveguide configurations for different illumination requirements, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides versatile, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing lighting systems that can be customized for various environments, ensuring uniform illumination patterns and improved light distribution across different spaces.

Implementation Method 1

optical waveguides that include coupling and light emitting portions, allowing for customizable illumination patterns by interchanging waveguides with different shapes and structural elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

utilizing LED elements within the housing to direct light into the waveguides for efficient light distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12625315B2Lighting fixture with waveguide

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 LED-IP MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

Generally, embodiment(s) disclosed herein may include modular luminaires and customizable luminaire combinations to produce desired overall illumination patterns, modular luminaires interchangeable between one or more lighting systems/luminaires having differing configurations, and/or luminaires with portions thereof formed primarily by optical waveguides, e.g., a wall sconce where primarily only waveguides extend from the wall. Further, contemplated throughout this disclosure is modification of panel-style and/or blade-style waveguide(s) for use with luminaire configurations having different sizes, shapes, and structural elements including as modular luminaires for use in creating further customizable lighting systems/luminaires.