Patent Application
20090175036
This disclosure relates to a light fixture.
Lamps and light sources typically generate heat. Typically, heat is allowed to dissipate from the bulb into the air or surrounding environment. For example, an incandescent lamp in a typical desk lighting fixture allows heat to escape into air surrounding the light bulb and lighting fixture. As the light intensity increases, the heat generated typically increases. All-weather lamps or light sources that are sealed are typically sealed such that water or moisture cannot enter the body of the lamp. However, this prevents heat from being released from within the body of the lamp.
One type of sealed light fixture that is used for outdoor fixtures utilizes a mercury vapor lamp source. These fixtures are not particularly energy efficient, and contain poisonous gas. Also, the light emitted by these lights have a blue tint that is considered by some to be aesthetically displeasing.
In some implementations, a light fixture comprises an inner spherical member, a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the inner spherical member and an outer spherical member substantially encompassing the inner spherical member. In some implementations, the inner and outer spherical members are coupled to a base. In some implementations, the inner and/or outer spherical members are substantially spherical and include a truncated bottom portion or collar that mounts to a base. In some implementations, the outer sphere comprises substantially transparent regions arranged to substantially align with the light elements. In some implementations, the outer sphere is substantially translucent and/or opaque except for the transparent regions. In some implementations, the light emitting elements comprise one or more diodes (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)).
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The base 102 can include one or more fins 108 protruding from the surface of the base 102 and a connector 110. The fins 108 can be made of the same material as the base 102 or can be made from a different material. The fins 108 can be arranged around the perimeter of the base 102 (e.g., materials with a high thermal conductivity) and can be positioned in any arrangement. For example, the fins 108 can be arranged around the perimeter of the base 102 such that the arrangement of fins 108 maximizes heat transfer or heat dissipation from the base 102. In addition, the fins 108 can have different shapes and can have different sizes. The size and shape of the fins 108 can be chosen to facilitate the heat transfer from the base 102. The base 102 can also include driver circuitry for the light emitting elements 112 (e.g., a lamp ballast or an LED driver).
The connector 110 can be any type of connector that allows the inner sphere 106 and/or the outer sphere 104 to be coupled to the base 102. For example, the connector 110 can be a threaded socket similar to an incandescent light bulb socket. Another example is a connector 110 that is similar to an electrical outlet (i.e., a socket with two areas that allow for a connector to plug into the socket). Another example is a connector 110 that is a combination of the threaded socket and an electrical outlet. The connector 110 can also be used to form an electrical connection between the base 102 and the inner sphere 106. In some implementations, the connector 110 can be a type of connector that allows the inner sphere 106 and the outer sphere 104 to be sealed to the base 102 in a manner that protects the inner sphere 106 and/or the light sources 112 from rain, snow, sleet, and the elements in general (i.e., weather resistant) and/or prevents incursions of water or salt, as an example.
Although light emitting elements 112 (particularly LEDs) are generally robust, the fixture 100 is also robust and can be installed in harsh environments (e.g., outdoors, marine environments, etc.) that are subject to, e.g., the elements. By disposing the light emitting elements 112 in a sealed enclosure, the light fixture 100 requires less maintenance and can endure longer times between the replacement of the light sources 112. This advantage is compounded by the fact that fixture 100 can be installed in locations (e.g., on a suspension bridge cable, at high elevations, etc.) that are costly and dangerous to access. However, the use of a sealed enclosure raises concerns of thermal management of the light emitting elements 112. Generally, light emitting elements 112 (e.g., LEDs) that operate in a higher-temperature environment have a shorter life expectancy than those that operate in a lower-temperature environment. This concern is addressed by utilizing the inner sphere 106 and base 102 to draw heat out of the enclosure formed by the inner and outer spheres. In some implementations, the inner sphere 106 can be divided into two segments to improve the thermal management of the light emitting elements 112. For example, in some implementations, the inner sphere 106 can be vertically divided into two hemispheres to provide a thermal contact surface between each hemisphere and the base 102. This, too, increases the reliability and lifespan of the light emitting elements 112.
The inner sphere 106 is substantially spherical and can include a truncated portion that allows the inner sphere 106 to be mounted on the base 102. Alternatively, the inner sphere 106 can include a connecting member that allows the inner sphere 106 to connect to the connector 110 and/or the outer sphere 104. Additionally, the inner sphere 106 can be coupled to the outer sphere 104. The inner sphere 106 can be coupled to the base 102 such that an electrical connection is formed.
In some implementations, the inner sphere 106 is made from a material chosen for its thermal conduction properties. In some implementations, the inner sphere 106 is made from a metal and/or ceramic material. For example, the inner sphere 106 can be made from a material that has high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. In addition, the inner sphere 106 can be made from a material that has a surface that acts as a reflector to increase the light output efficiency of at least some of the light emitting elements 112, such as aluminum, silver, a material having a silver-like appearance or a material coated with a reflective paint, or to change the visual effect of the light fixture 100.
The inner sphere 106 includes an array of light emitting elements or light sources 112 coupled to the outer surface of the inner sphere 106. The light sources 112 can be any type of light source such as a light emitting diode or other lighting technology. In some implementations, the light sources 112, when implemented using the described techniques, have a lifetime of tens of thousands of hours such that the light sources 112 seldom need replacing.
The light sources 112 are arranged over the surface of the inner sphere 106. As illustrated, the light sources 112 can be arranged in a particular, regular pattern over the surface of the inner sphere 106. In the alternative, the light sources 112 can be arranged in any pattern and is not limited to being arranged in a regular pattern. This arrangement can vary with the implementation. For example, if a greater amount of light or a greater number of visible points of light is desired, more light sources 112 can be employed. In another example, the light sources 112 can be arranged such that one or more light sources 112 are located beneath each of the transparent regions 114 distributed over the surface of the outer sphere 104, which are described below. Also, since the pattern of light sources 112 can contribute to a visual or aesthetic effect, the pattern of light sources 112 can vary with the implementation. For example, the light sources 112 can be arranged such that they are not aligned with the transparent regions 114 to create a visual effect.
In addition, the light sources 112 can be thermally coupled to the surface of the inner sphere 106 using silicon or metal. In some implementations, the light sources 112 can be coupled to the surface of the inner sphere 106 by thermally conductive paste. In other implementations, the light sources 112 can be coupled to the surface of the inner sphere 106 through a metal contact plate that conducts heat away from the light sources 112 to the inner sphere 106.
The inner sphere 106 is coupled to the base 102 through the connector 110 such that the base 102 draws heat away from the light sources 112, inner sphere 106 and/or the connector 110. For example the base 102 can act as a heat sink and allow the heat generated by the array of light sources 112 to be conducted by the inner sphere 106 and dissipated through the base 102 and the fins 108.
The outer sphere 104 is substantially spherical and can have a truncated portion that allows the outer sphere 104 to be mounted on the base 102. Alternatively, the outer sphere 104 can include a connecting member that allows the outer sphere 104 to connect with the connector 110 and/or the inner sphere 106. The outer sphere 104 has a diameter larger than the inner sphere 106 such that the outer sphere 104 substantially surrounds the inner sphere 106. The diameter can be any distance such that the inner sphere 106 and the array of light sources 112 are substantially surrounded by the outer sphere 106. For example, the diameter of the outer sphere 104 can be approximately eight to ten inches. In some implementations, the diameter of the outer sphere 104 is a distance such that a visual effect is created. For example, the diameter of the outer sphere 104 can be chosen such that distance between the inner sphere 106 and the outer sphere 104 (i.e., “the offset”) causes the light sources 112 appear to sparkle. For example, in some implementations, a sparkle effect can be created when the outer sphere 104 has a diameter equal to approximately 6.4 inches and the inner sphere 106 has a diameter equal to approximately 4.95 inches, which results in an offset of 0.725 inches. In other implementations, the diameter of the outer sphere 104 is a distance that facilitates the heat generated by the light sources 112 to be dissipated though the base 102. In some implementations, the offset is chosen such that the light emitted by each of the light sources 112 is matched with a transparent region 114 or with a translucent and/or opaque regions 116.
The outer sphere 104 can be coupled to the inner sphere 106 and/or the base 102 through the connector 110. In some implementations, the outer sphere 104 is coupled to the base 102 such that a seal is formed and the inner sphere 106 is protected from precipitation or other environmental conditions.
The outer sphere 104 can be glass, acrylic or any other material. The outer sphere 104 includes transparent regions 114 (sometimes referred to as holes) distributed over the surface of the outer sphere 104. The transparent regions 114 can be completely transparent or can be substantially transparent. The outer sphere 104 and/or the transparent regions 114 can also be coated such that the coating gives the outer sphere 104 and/or the transparent regions 114 a different lighting effect (e.g., a prism-like coating, application or casting to refract light). In some implementations, the outer sphere 104 and/or the transparent regions 114 can have integral prismatic structures that refract light and provide a different lighting effect. In some implementations, the transparent regions 114 are coated with a light filtering material. In other implementations, at least a portion of the outer sphere 104 is coated with a material that is energized by light. For example, the coating can be a material containing phosphors that radiates visible light upon being energized. Portions of the inner and outer surfaces of the outer sphere 104 and/or the transparent regions 114 can be coated.
The transparent regions 114 can be any type of shape. For example, the transparent regions 114 can be circular, triangular or can not have a uniform shape (e.g., an amoeba-like shape). The transparent regions 114 can be arranged on the outer sphere 104 in any manner. For example, in some implementations, the transparent regions 114 are arranged on the outer sphere 104 such that the transparent regions 114 are aligned with the array of light sources 112 (i.e., the transparent regions 114 overlap the light sources 112). In other implementations, the transparent regions 114 are arranged on the outer sphere 104 such that the transparent regions 114 are offset from the array of light sources 112 (i.e., the transparent regions 114 do not overlap the light sources 112). The outer sphere 104 can include any number of transparent regions 114. In some implementations, the number of transparent regions 114 equals the number of light sources 112. In some implementations, there are twenty-four transparent regions 114 arranged on the outer sphere 104. For example,
The outer sphere 104 also can include translucent and/or opaque regions 116 distributed over the surface of the outer sphere 104. The translucent and/or opaque regions 116 can be similar to diffusion glass or frosted glass (i.e., glass that is not clear but allows for some light to pass). In some implementations, the use of diffusion glass causes the light fixture 100 and/or the translucent and/or opaque regions 116 to glow like a pearl. In some implementations, the outer sphere 104 consists primarily of the translucent and/or opaque regions 116 except for the transparent regions 114. The translucent and/or opaque regions 116 can be coated similar to the outer sphere 104 and/or the transparent regions 114.
The size of the light fixture can vary depending on the implementation. For example, light fixture 400 includes a base 102 that is 7.71 inches wide and 8.17 inches deep. In another example shown in
In addition, as described above, the outer sphere 104 can have a diameter of any size. For example, light fixture 600 includes an outer sphere 104 having a diameter of eight to ten inches.
The inner sphere 106 includes light sources 112 that can emit a directed beam of light 702 and a wide field of light 704. The light sources 112 are arranged on the surface of the inner sphere 106 such that the directed beam of light 702 is focused primarily on the transparent regions 114. In addition, the inner sphere 106 and the outer sphere 104 are arranged to facilitate the directed beam of light 702 to be focused primarily on the transparent regions 114. The wide field of light 104 covers a larger area of the inner surface of the outer sphere 104 and passes through the translucent and/or opaque regions 116 such that the light fixture 700 appears to glow when the light sources 112 are turned ON. For example, the light fixture 700 can have a pearl-like glow.
In addition, the inner sphere 106 can be made from a material that has a surface 107 that acts as a reflector to increase the light output efficiency of at least some of the light emitting elements 112, such as aluminum, silver or a material coated with a reflective paint, or to change the visual effect of the light fixture 700.
There is a particular distance between the light sources 112 and the outer sphere 104. While this distance can vary somewhat from individual light source to individual light source, given that items 104 and 106 are both spherical, in some implementations the distance is substantially constant. In some implementations, the distance from a light source to the outer sphere 104 can vary from light source to light source. One advantage of the distance between the light source and the outer sphere is that it creates a visual effect (a “sparkle” effect) when a viewer's perspective changes with respect to the light. Thus, if the light is implemented on a roadway, persons in automobiles will experience an aesthetically pleasing visual effect as they pass by. In addition, if the light fixture 100 is implemented on a building top, pedestrians and airplane passengers will experience the sparkling effect. This, combined with LEDs that are capable of producing various colors of light (e.g., white, blue, etc.), can result in implementations that provide unique visual effect.
Aesthetic Features
In one implementation, the light fixture 100 is implemented as “necklace” lighting that is typically used to illuminate various structures of suspension bridges. In one implementation, the light fixture 100 is reminiscent of a pearl studded with diamonds.
To evaluate the aesthetics of a light fixture 100, one can consider: (1) the concept and psychological associations; (2) the form of the light fixture such as the shape and dimensional proportions; and (3) the visual effect and color consistencies at close distances and at far distances.
In one implementation, the light fixture 100 provides the following visual characteristics: (1) a light fixture that fits neatly into the concept of “necklace” lighting and provides a pleasurable mental connection; (2) an elegant, compact form with balanced proportions (e.g., a sphere within a sphere); and (3) sparkling light easily viewed from 360-degrees with good contrast ratio and excellent white-light color consistency.
Advantages
As described above, numerous advantages can be obtained from the light fixture (e.g., light fixture 100). In some implementations, the light sources 112 are protected from environmental conditions because the connector 110 seals the outer sphere 104 to the base 102. This allows the light sources 112 to have a longer lifespan and reduces the time between maintenance. As described above, this will reduce the cost of maintenance because frequent maintenance will not be required.
However, operating the light emitting elements 112 in a sealed environment raises thermal management issues. These issues are overcome by yet additional advantageous features. For example, in some implementations, the base 102 and inner sphere 106 are made from thermal conductive materials to allow heat to be transferred from the light emitting elements 112 to the inner sphere 106 and to the base 102, which in turn dissipates heat to the ambient environment. In addition, the thermal conductivity can be further increased by the use of one or more fins 108 protruding from the base 102. By managing the heat of the environment in which they operate, the life span and reliability of the light sources 112 can be increased. This can result in the light fixture 100 operating longer times between maintenance and/or replacement of the light sources 112. Because the light fixture 100 can be used on bridges, active roadways, in areas that are not easily accessible or in areas that are hazardous to humans, increasing the life span of the light sources 112 and/or the time between maintenance substantially reduces the cost of maintenance, and therefore, the total cost of the fixture.
In some implementations, the light sources 112 are arranged on the surface of the inner sphere 106 to create aesthetic features. The aesthetic features can be changed by using different light sources 112, changing the arrangement of the light sources 112, changing the diameter of the outer sphere 104, changing the positioning of the transparent regions 114 and changing the material and/or coating of the transparent regions 114. As described above, visual effects can be created by changing the offset between the inner sphere 106 and the outer sphere 104. The offset can be chosen such that the various visual effects such as sparkling can be achieved.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the outer sphere 104 may be entirely transparent. Another example is a light fixture 100 that is used in various environments such as indoors or in other out-door environments (e.g., non-bridge environments). Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/016,384, filed Dec. 21, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61016384 | Dec 2007 | US |
