Reduced glare light fixture

Reduced glare light fixtures are provided. In one example implementation, a reduced glare light fixture includes a light emitting diode (LED) system. The LED system includes at least one LED module having one or more LED devices. The reduced glare light fixture further includes a bezel physically coupled to the LED system engine. The bezel has one or more glare reduction tubes. At least one of the one or more glare reduction tubes is configured to be approximately coaxial with one LED of the one or more LED devices.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to artificial lighting.

BACKGROUND

Artificial lighting is important to many aspects of modern life. For example, artificial lighting can be important for many different sporting competitions and sporting venues. While artificial lighting often allows participation in indoor sports, and outdoor sports in darkened conditions, artificial lighting is not without drawbacks. Glare is currently one of the biggest complaints about sports lighting. The problem of glare is not limited to sporting venues either. For example, flood lighting used around various structures and airport ramp lighting are often the subject of complaints about glare.

Glare and related light trespass are of special concern when installing floodlights. Disability glare reduces visual performance and visibility. Discomfort glare produces physical discomfort. It is possible to experience disability without discomfort, and conversely, discomfort without disability, however, one often accompanies the other. Regarding light that we actually see, brightness can be measured as the light leaving a lamp, or the light reflecting from an object's surface. It is measured in footlamberts (English) or candelas/square meter (metric). In practice, glare is usually a situation where a source of unshielded light is at least 1,000 times brighter than the average visual field. For instance, because the night sky is dark, almost all outdoor light sources, such as a street luminaire or automobile headlight, cause glare. To evaluate glare, however, one may use luminance, which typically is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2) or nits.

As used herein, the term glare includes all forms of glare, including discomfort glare and disability glare, as well as light trespass, and related stray light problems. For example, ocular stray light is a phenomenon where parts of the human eye scatter light that reaches the retina, but do not contribute to forming a correct image.

One approach to reducing glare is to decrease light intensity of the artificial light source. However, if the decreased light intensity cannot be offset with additional lighting fixtures, overall lighting may drop below acceptable levels. Even if decreased light intensity is offset with additional lighting fixtures, such additional lighting fixtures typically incur a corresponding increase in costs.

Another approach to reducing glare is to use louvers, such as various types of blade and concentric louvers. Unfortunately, louvers have the effect of reducing light output and correspondingly increasing costs to compensate for the loss of light by producing additional lumens of light to offset the losses.

SUMMARY

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a-light engine module having at least one light emitting source. The light engine module can include a bezel comprising at least one glare reduction tube configured to be approximately coaxial with the at least one light emitting source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to reduced glare light fixtures mitigating glare associated with LED lighting. As described herein, some embodiments include a bezel having glare reducing tubes formed therein positioned over a light engine module having LED devices such that the LED devices are approximately coaxial with the glare reducing tubes to reduce glare. In some embodiments, reduced glare light fixtures described herein mitigate or prevent direct view of particularly bright parts of lighting, such as with floodlights. In some embodiments, the reduced glare light fixtures mitigate or eliminate stray lumens that cause glare without overly reducing the lumens in a main light beam otherwise intended for illumination purposes.

Referring toFIGS. 1-15, and in particular toFIG. 1, a front, perspective view of an example embodiment of a reduced glare light fixture100according to the present disclosure is shown. The reduced glare light fixture100includes a mounting yoke105. In some embodiments, the mounting yoke105enables the reduced glare light fixture100to be physically coupled through a pole to a large structure or ground support. In some embodiments, the mounting yoke105is physically coupled to a housing110through an optional yoke mount portion111of the housing110. In some embodiments, the reduced glare light fixture100includes a plurality of heat sinks112each having a plurality of fins114generally disposed in front of an upper driver casing116aand a lower driver casing116b. In some alternative embodiments, the upper driver casing116aand the lower driver casing116bare omitted. For orientation purposes, the physically coupled upper driver casing116aand the lower driver casing116bare positioned towards a rear portion119of the reduced glare light fixture100and the heatsinks112are positioned towards a front portion118of the reduced glare light fixture100.

In some embodiments, the upper driver casing116ais physically coupled to the lower driver casing116bthrough fasteners, such as bolts, and recessed sockets. However, unless specifically stated otherwise, neither physically connected components, nor physically coupled components, are not limited to any particular form of component attachment. For example, in some embodiments, the upper driver casing116ais physically coupled to the lower driver casing116bthrough mating surfaces. In some embodiments, the upper driver casing116ais physically coupled to the lower driver casing116bwith adhesives. In some embodiments, the upper driver casing116aand the lower driver casing116bare formed as a single driver casing116component.

In some embodiments, the housing110can include a grill113. To provide air flow to heat sinks112, the grill113can extend around the heat sinks112along a circumferential direction C on housing110, and the grill113can also be aligned with the heat sinks112along a radial direction R. As an example, the grill113can be positioned coplanar with the heat sinks112, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to an axial direction A such that the plane intersects both the grill113and the heat sinks112. In some embodiments, a length of the grill113, e.g., along the axial direction A, may also be about equal to a length of the fins114of the heat sinks112, e.g., along the axial direction A. In this manner, the grill113can facilitate cooling air flow into and out of housing110. For example, the grill113can be perforated such that air may flow through the housing110at the grill113to and/or from the heat sinks112. In particular, cooler air may flow through the grill113into the housing110below the heat sinks112, whereas warmer air may flow through the grill113out of housing110above the heat sinks112.

The reduced glare light fixture100includes a light-emitting diode (LED) system120. The LED system120includes a plurality of light engine modules122. While six light engine modules122are shown inFIG. 1, and two to twelve light engine modules are preferred, the particular number of light engine modules is not expressly limited. In some embodiments, each light engine module has a common shape such that an integral number of modules placed adjacent to each other form a ring. Although the plurality of light engine modules122are not limited to a common shape, the use of a common shape simplifies certain manufacturing and assembly steps.

Each light engine module122includes a bezel123, a plurality of optics124, and a plurality of LED devices (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the bezel123is formed separately from the light engine modules122and attached after formation. In some embodiments, the bezel123includes a plurality of glare reduction tubes126. More specifically, each glare reduction tube of the plurality of glare reduction tubes126is hollow and enables light to pass from the one optic124and one LED device. In some embodiments, the plurality of glare reduction tubes126are integrally formed with the bezel123. For instance, the plurality of glare reduction tubes126and the bezel123can be formed as a single monolithic component. Alternatively, the plurality of glare reduction tubes126and the bezel123can be formed as separate components. In this manner, the plurality of glare reduction tubes126can be removably coupled to the bezel123.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 1, the bezel123contains 21 glare reduction tubes126,21optics124and 21 LED devices. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 1, one optic124and one LED device can be recessed within one glare reduction tube126for all of the optics, LED devices and tubes. In some embodiments, each optic124and LED device are recessed within each glare reduction tube126such that a light beam from the LED device in an active state has an approximately 50 degree spread from a coaxial center axis, i.e., approximately 25 degrees spread on each of 2 opposing sides of the coaxial center axis. In some embodiments, the plurality of optics124are fabricated together as a single component separate from the bezel123. In some alternative embodiments, the plurality of optics124are each fabricated as separate, individual components.

As shown inFIG. 1, the bezel123includes a surface127. In some embodiments, the surface127can be a base of the bezel123. The plurality of glare reduction tubes126can be associated with the surface127of the bezel123. For example, the plurality of glare reduction tubes126can extend from the surface127. Alternatively, the plurality of glare reduction tubes126can extend through the surface127. In some embodiments, the surface127of the bezel123can be comprised of opaque material. Alternatively, the surface127of the bezel123can be comprised of translucent material. In some embodiments, the surface127of the bezel123can be positioned over a plurality of light emitting sources (e.g., LED devices) such that each glare reduction tube126is aligned with one light emitting source of the plurality of light emitting sources.

As used herein, the terms “about, “approximate,” “approximately,” and the like, when used in conjunction with a numerical value are intended to refer to any number within twenty five percent (25%) of the stated numerical value. In some embodiments, each optic124and LED device are recessed approximately 0.8 inches within each tube126. In general, in some embodiments, the depth of the recess is a variable dependent on the width of the light beam spread. For example, a more narrow light beam has a deeper recess than a wider light beam. In some embodiments, to reduce glare, the bezel123, including each glare reduction tube of the plurality of glare reduction tubes126in the bezel123, are formed from a translucent material that diffuses light from the LED devices. In some embodiments, the bezel123is formed from a material selected from an acrylic compound and polycarbonate. Some light from the LED devices passes through and is diffused by the translucent material in the bezel123before being emitted by the reduced glare light fixture100. It has been discovered that, under certain conditions, observers viewing the reduced glare light fixture100from some angles offset to an outward axial direction A, i.e., the normal axis for the reduced glare light fixture100, report a significant reduction in glare from the reduced glare light fixture as opposed to comparable light fixtures without the bezel123. Note that the outward axial direction A is generally in the direction from the rear portion119to the front portion118. One possible explanation for the apparent reduction in glare is thought to be due to smoothing contrast between light from the LED devices passing through each of the glare reduction tubes126effectively reduces glare for an observer at certain distances and angles.

In some embodiments, to reduce glare, the bezel123, including each of the plurality of glare reduction tubes126in the bezel123, are formed from an opaque material that blocks light from the LED devices. In some embodiments, the opaque material is black. In this manner, the bezel123can block light emitted from the LED devices before said light can be emitted by the reduced glare light fixture100. It has been discovered that, under certain conditions, observers viewing the reduced glare light fixture100from some angles offset to axial direction A, i.e., the normal axis for the reduced glare light fixture100, report a significant reduction in glare from the reduced glare light fixture as opposed to comparable light fixtures without the bezel123. It is thought that the reduction of light emitted at angles offset to the axial direction A passing through the tubes126from the LED devices reduces glare for an observer.

Each optic124in the reduced glare light fixture100is optically coupled with one of the plurality of LED devices. In some embodiments, each optic124is a lens used to help direct light from the plurality of LED devices in the axial direction A out of the reduced glare light fixture100. One or more examples of the optic124are shown in the figures, but the optic124is not limited to any particular shape. Each optic124is positioned over one LED device of the plurality of LED devices. For example, the optic124shown inFIG. 11includes a LED receptacle portion128for receiving one LED device of the plurality of LED devices. In some embodiments, the arrangement of optics124, the LED devices and the glare reduction tubes126are configured to provide a variety of different light distributions, such as a type I distribution, type II distribution, type III distribution, type IV distribution, type V distribution, e.g., round, square, round wide, other light distribution, or combination of light distributions. In some embodiments, the optics124, the LED devices and the glare reduction tubes126are configured to provide one of flood optics, such as a 2×2 beam pattern, a 3×3 beam pattern, a 4×4 beam pattern, a 5×5 beam, pattern, and a 6×6 beam pattern. In some embodiments, the LED devices on each light engine module122may have different individualized light distributions. In some embodiments, the plurality of optics124are connected and/or formed together on the module support board170such that the optics124are formed from one separate piece of material.

Turning toFIGS. 12A and 12B, in some embodiments, the reduced glare light fixture100includes the plurality of light engine modules122, and each of the plurality of light engine modules122includes the plurality of LED devices mounted on a module support board170. In some embodiments, the module support board170is a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the module support board170is an LED board. The plurality of LED devices are configured to emit visible light because of movement of electrons between p-type and n-type semiconductor materials. The plurality of-LED devices can have-any suitable size, color, color temperature, etc. for the desired light applications. In some embodiments, the plurality of LED devices are selected from color temperatures of 3000K, 4000K, 5000K and other suitable color temperatures, however, the LEDs are not restricted to any particular color temperature. In some embodiments, the plurality of LED devices include subgroups each having a different set of color temperatures. As shown inFIG. 12A, the 21 LEDs in the plurality of LED devices are in an “off” (inactive state) condition. As shown inFIG. 12B, the 21 LEDs in the plurality of LED devices are in an “on” (active state) condition suitable for illumination purposes.

While some embodiments are described herein as including an LED system120as a light engine, it is understood that halogen lights are substituted for the LED system in some alternative embodiments and incandescent lights are substituted for the LED system in some other alternative embodiments. The reduced glare light fixture100is not limited to any particular form of light emitting source.

Turning toFIGS. 13A and 13B, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of light engine modules122includes the bezel123that is attached to the module support board170such that each of the plurality of glare reduction tubes126coaxially aligns with an optic124and an LED device. In some embodiments, the bezel123includes the plurality of glare reduction tubes126, each glare reduction tube being optically coupled with one optic124and one LED device such that each of the plurality of glare reduction tubes126enables light to pass from the one optic124and one LED device. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the bezel123contains 21 glare reduction tubes126,21optics124and 21 LED devices. As shown inFIG. 13A, the 21 LEDs included in the plurality of LED devices are in an “off” (inactive state) condition. As shown inFIG. 13B, the 21 LEDs included in the plurality of LED devices are in an “on” (active state) condition suitable for illumination purposes.FIGS. 12B and 13Bare positioned side-by-side to help illustrate the reduction in glare between the LEDs125without the bezel123as shown inFIG. 12Band the LEDs with the bezel as shown inFIG. 13B.

Referring toFIGS. 1-15, and in particular toFIG. 10, in some embodiments, the plurality of light engine modules122all have a common size and shape, and are interchangeable with one another, however, the light engines modules are not limited to uniform sizes or uniform shapes. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of light engine modules122is wedge shaped and has an inner edge130and an outer edge132. In some embodiments, the inner edge130and the outer edge132of module122are spaced from each other along the radial direction R. In some embodiments, the inner and outer edges130,132of each of the plurality of light engine modules122are positioned opposite each other along the radial direction R. For example, as shown inFIG. 9, the inner edge130of each of the plurality of light engine modules122is radially positioned closest to the center axis A of the LED system120, and the outer edge132of each of the plurality of light modules122is radially positioned furthest away from the center axis A of the LED system120. In some embodiments, the inner edge130is disposed proximate a central axis X of housing110that extends through the center of LED system120. In some embodiments, a width W of each of the plurality of light engine modules122tapers (e.g., decreases) along the circumferential direction C from the outer edge132to the inner edge130. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of light engine module122is narrower along the circumferential direction C, at or adjacent to the center axis of the LED system120and wider along circumferential direction C away from the center of LED system120, such that each of the plurality of light engine modules122tapers along the radial direction R. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of light engine modules122has a pair of opposing side edges134. The opposing side edges134of each of the plurality of light engine modules122may be spaced from each other, e.g., along the circumferential direction C. Thus, the opposing side edges134of each of the plurality of light engine modules122may be positioned opposite each other along the circumferential direction C. The opposing side edges134of each of the plurality of light engine modules122may extend, e.g., linearly, along the radial direction R between the inner and outer edges130,132. Collectively, inner edge130, outer edge132and side edges134of each of the plurality of light engine modules122may form a wedge-shaped perimeter, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction A. When the plurality of lighting modules122are wedge shaped and positioned adjacent one another, the plurality of lighting modules122may collectively form a circular or arcuate pattern within housing110. In particular, the opposing side edges134of adjacent light engine modules of the plurality of light engine modules122may be positioned adjacent and/or contact each other to, as shown inFIG. 5, form the circular or arcuate pattern within housing110.

Referring toFIGS. 1-15, and in particular toFIG. 2, an exploded, perspective view of an example embodiment of the reduced glare light fixture100according to the present disclosure is shown. In addition to the components introduced above, the reduced glare light fixture100includes a support body140. The plurality of light engine modules122can be attached to the support body140within the housing110. In some embodiments, the housing110is decorative. In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of light engine modules122are attached within housing110by one or more of fastening, snap-fitting, adhering, and other mechanisms of attachment. The support body140provides a shared structure for mounting and/or bearing the plurality of light engine modules122and/or plugs150within housing110. In some embodiments, fasteners142, such as bolts, extend through the support body140into the plurality of light engine modules122to mount the plurality of light engine modules122to the support body140. In some embodiments, the fasteners142extend through support body140into the fins114on the heat sinks112to mount the plurality of light engine modules122to the support body140. In some embodiments, the support body140forms a plurality of through-holes for the fasteners142. In some embodiments, the reduced glare light fixture100includes a module back plate144positioned behind the support body140. In some embodiments, the module back plate144includes a plurality of apertures for receiving the fasteners142. In some embodiments, the through-holes are distributed in a pattern that provides a plurality of different mounting locations for the plurality of light engine modules122such that the plurality of light engine modules122are suitably spaced and/or oriented when mounted to the support body140. In this fashion, the support body140provides a convenient layout and guide for mounting the plurality of light engine modules122within the housing110. When the plurality of-lighting modules122have a common shape, the plurality of lighting modules122may be interchangeable with one another and/or manufactured with the same process.

In some embodiments, the upper driver casing116aand the lower driver casing116binclude vertical fins117, also known as ribs. In some embodiments, the vertical fins117are for heat dissipation, while in other embodiments the vertical fins117are decorative. In some embodiments, some of the upper driver casing116a, lower driver casing116b, housing110, mounting yoke105, yoke mount portion111of the housing, a back panel115, the heat sinks112, the bezel123and the optics124are made of materials suitable for direct exposure to outside conditions that include one or more of fresh water, salt water, temperature extremes, sunlight, animals, dust, debris, corrosive chemicals, combustible materials and explosive materials. In some embodiments, the housing110substantially protects the interior from at least one such outside condition.

As introduced above, in some embodiments the reduced glare light fixture100includes at least one spacer module known as a plug150. In some embodiments, with less than the maximum number of the plurality of light engine modules122positioned within the housing110, e.g., mounted on support plate140, a separate plug150is positioned at a location of each omitted light engine module122within housing110. In some embodiments, a plurality of plugs150are interspersed between the plurality of light engine modules122. Thus, each plug150replaces each omitted light engine module122within housing110. In some embodiments, the plug150is sized to match the light engine modules122such that plug150and the light engine modules122are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the plug150has suitable holes for receiving fasteners142at support plate140and/or a wedge shaped outer plate152that is positioned coplanar with LED devices. In this manner, the plug150enhances an appearance of the reduced glare light fixture100as opposed to leaving a void in place of the omitted light engine module122. In some embodiments, one or more plugs150and one or more light engine modules122are distributed along the circumferential direction C at the front portion118of housing110, and the one or more plugs150and light engine modules122cooperate to collectively form a front face of the reduced glare light fixture100. In some embodiments, the plug(s)150and the light engine module(s)122collectively extend three hundred and sixty degrees (360°) along the circumferential direction C at the front portion118of housing110. In some embodiments, the plugs150have an outer appearance that is identical to the light engine modules122except that the plugs150do not include LED devices. In some embodiments, each plug150is connected between adjacent light engine modules122.

In some embodiments, the plurality of fins114on the heat sinks112are vertically aligned with the light engine modules122and are mounted on the support body140to provide the vertical flow paths160. Vertical air flow paths160facilitate cooling air flow through the heat sinks112by enabling air heated by the LED devices to flow upwardly along vertical air flow paths160between fins114and cooler outside air is drawn into the vertical air flow paths160.

In some embodiments, the reduced glare light fixture100includes an upper power circuit200aand a lower power circuit200b. In some embodiments, the reduced glare light fixture100combines the upper power circuit200aand the lower power circuit200binto a single power circuit200. In some embodiments, the upper power circuit200aand the lower power circuit200breceive alternating current (AC) electrical power at a higher voltage and convert it to direct current (DC) electrical power at a lower voltage to energize the plurality of light engine modules122. In some embodiments, the upper power circuit200aand the lower power circuit200binclude one or more surge protective devices, transformers, and drivers. In some embodiments, the surge protector is configured to receive electrical current from an external power source such as a power grid or battery while protecting the reduced glare light fixture from one or more of electrical noise, spikes, lightning-induced surges and electrical anomalies.

In some embodiments, the reduced glare light fixture100includes a laser emitter211. In some embodiments, the laser emitter211emits a laser beam used to assist with orienting the reduced glare light fixture100. For example, a direction of the beam emitted by laser emitter211may generally correspond the direction of light emitted by LED system120. An installer operates the laser emitter211and observes the beam emitted by laser emitter211to align the reduced glare the reduced glare light fixture100towards a desired location. In such a manner, LED system120may emit light in a desired direction after installation of the reduced glare light fixture100.

Referring toFIG. 14, a front, perspective view of active light engine modules of an embodiment of a reduced glare light fixture100according to the present disclosure is shown. For illustration purposes, the reduced glare light fixture100includes three modules each having a translucent bezel123aand three modules each having an opaque bezel123b. In some embodiments, the translucent bezel123bis white. In some embodiments, the opaque bezel123bis black. In some embodiments, the opaque bezel123bis formed from a black material. In some embodiments, the opaque bezel123bis coated with a black material. As shown inFIG. 14, the glare reduction tubes in the bezels123aand123bare positioned over and aligned with active LEDs emitting light. Glare is reduced as described herein in both the translucent bezels123aand the opaque bezels123b.

Referring toFIG. 15, a photographic view of an illustrative embodiment of the reduced glare light fixture100mounted in an outdoor environment according to the present disclosure is shown. The reduced glare light fixture100mounted via a connecting pole (arm)172to a support pole174. The arm172is positioned approximately horizontal with respect level ground and the support pole is positioned approximately vertical with respect to level ground. The reduced glare light fixture100is shown in an illuminated state against a mostly cloudy background.

Some embodiments herein describe a reduced glare light fixture including a light emitting diode (LED) system, wherein the LED system includes at least one LED module having a plurality of LED devices and a bezel physically coupled to the LED system engine, the bezel having a plurality of glare reduction tubes formed therein, at least one glare reduction tube configured to be approximately coaxial with one LED device.

Some other embodiments herein describe a reduced glare light fixture including a light emitting diode (LED) system, wherein the LED system includes a plurality of LED modules each including a plurality of LED devices. The reduced glare light fixture also includes a bezel physically coupled to the LED system, the bezel having a plurality of glare reduction tubes formed therein, at least one glare reduction tube configured to be approximately coaxial with one LED device and an optic, the optic configured to be approximately coaxial and optically coupled between the at least one glare reduction tube and the one LED device.

Some still other embodiments herein describe a reduced glare light fixture including a light emitting diode (LED) system, wherein the LED system includes a plurality of LED modules each including a plurality of LED devices and a plurality of plugs, wherein the plurality of LED modules and plurality of plugs are interspersed and arranged in a ring. The reduced glare light fixture also includes a bezel physically coupled to the LED system, the bezel having a plurality of glare reduction tubes formed therein, at least one glare reduction tube configured to be approximately coaxial with one LED device, and an optic, the optic configured to be approximately coaxial and optically coupled between the at least one glare reduction tube and the one LED device.