Waveguide Optic Assemblies for Symmetric Lighting Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard optical housings often disrupt the lighting distribution of waveguide optics, making them incompatible with certain applications, particularly those requiring Type V or other specific lighting distributions.
Innovation Solution
The use of optic assemblies comprising a waveguide optic with a light extraction face and multiple sets of non-linear light extraction elements, such as semi-elliptical or arcuate segments, positioned symmetrically or asymmetrically, which are integrated with a reflective optical insert to achieve desired lighting distributions independent of the optic housing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard optical housings are used to simplify manufacturing and enhance cost efficiencies, then manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but the lighting distribution is disrupted and compatibility with certain waveguide optics is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a standard optical housing and a separate waveguide optic assembly with specific extraction elements. This segmentation allows the housing to remain simple and standardized while the optic assembly provides the specialized lighting distribution functionality, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and distribution compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide optic assembly is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into standard optical housings while providing specialized Type V or other specific lighting distributions. The extraction elements are configured to work with standard housing geometries, enabling one optic design to serve multiple housing types and applications
2Loss of energy
If standard optical housings are used, then cost efficiencies are enhanced, but the lighting distribution pattern is altered and specific distribution types cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide optic serves as an intermediary component between the standard optical housing and the light sources. It receives light from standard LED packages and transforms the lighting distribution through its specifically configured extraction elements, enabling precise distribution control without requiring custom housings and maintaining cost efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If waveguide optics are designed for specific lighting distributions, then lighting distribution control is improved, but compatibility with standard housings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide optic incorporates localized extraction elements with specific geometries (such as arcuate or non-linear segments) positioned at particular locations on the optic surface. These local variations in extraction element design enable precise control of lighting distribution patterns while the overall optic geometry remains compatible with standard housing mounting interfaces
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 the emission of symmetric lighting distributions, including Type V, with high output flux, allowing for the use of waveguide optics in previously incompatible housings and supporting multiple lighting distribution types within a single device.
Implementation Method 1
A waveguide optic mixes and directs light emitted by one or more light sources... By appropriately shaping waveguide surfaces, one can control the flow of light across the extraction element(s)
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide optic and reflective optical insert can emit a desired lighting distribution independent of optic housing design
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, optic assemblies and waveguide fixtures comprising the same are described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, an optic assembly includes an optic housing, an optical insert positioned in the optic housing, and a waveguide optic positioned in the optical insert. The waveguide optic includes a light extraction face and at least two sets of light extraction elements provided on the light extraction face. The at least two sets of light extraction elements are disposed on opposing sides of an axis of symmetry for extracting a symmetric lighting distribution.