Light pipe crush rib attachment

A light pipe assembly includes a light pipe having one or more first crush ribs extending outwardly from an outer surface of the light pipe. The light pipe assembly further includes a light pipe housing having one or more second crush ribs extending into a cavity of the light pipe housing. When the light pipe is positioned in the cavity of the light pipe housing, the light pipe is retained in the light pipe housing by the one or more first crush ribs and the one or more second crush ribs. The one or more first crush ribs come in contact with and press against the one or more second crush ribs when the light pipe is positioned in the cavity of the light pipe housing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to light pipes, and more particularly to attachment of light pipes.

BACKGROUND

Light pipes may be used to receive light and to transmit light. For example, light may enter a light pipe at one end and exit the light pipe at an opposite end toward a photosensor. As another example, light that is emitted by a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode) may enter a light pipe at one end and exit the light pipe at an opposite end, for example, as an indicator light. A light pipe may be made from a transparent material, such as a polycarbonate, and may rely on total internal reflection principles to retain the light in the light pipe as the light travels from one end of the light pipe to an opposite end of the light pipe. A light pipe is typically retained in a desired position, for example, in a housing using an adhesive, a screw, a snap fit, etc. In some cases, these methods may result in reduced efficiency of light transmission through the light pipe and/or may require increased size, additional structure, and increased cost. Further, light pipes with particular shapes such as a truncated cone shape (i.e., a shape of a frustum of a cone) may be challenging to retain in place using typical attachment means. Thus, light pipe attachment solutions that allow for efficient transmission of light through light pipes may be desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to light pipes, and more particularly to attachment of light pipes. In an example embodiment, a light pipe assembly includes a light pipe having one or more first crush ribs extending outwardly from an outer surface of the light pipe. The light pipe assembly further includes a light pipe housing having one or more second crush ribs extending into a cavity of the light pipe housing. When the light pipe is positioned in the cavity of the light pipe housing, the light pipe is retained in the light pipe housing by the one or more first crush ribs and the one or more second crush ribs. The one or more first crush ribs come in contact with and press against the one or more second crush ribs when the light pipe is positioned in the cavity of the light pipe housing.

In another example embodiment, a light sensor device includes a photosensor circuit and a light pipe assembly. The light pipe assembly includes a light pipe having one or more first crush ribs extending outwardly from an outer surface of the light pipe. The light pipe assembly further includes a light pipe housing having one or more second crush ribs. The light pipe is positioned in a cavity of the light pipe housing such that the one or more first crush ribs are in contact with and press against the one or more second crush ribs. A narrow surface of the light pipe is proximal to the photosensor circuit such that a light that exits the light pipe through the narrow surface is directed toward the photosensor circuit.

In another example embodiment, a lighting fixture includes a light source to provide an illumination light and a light sensor device that includes a photosensor circuit and a light pipe assembly. The light source is controlled based on a light detection by the light sensor device. The light pipe assembly includes a light pipe having one or more first crush ribs extending outwardly from an outer surface of the light pipe. The light pipe assembly further includes a light pipe housing having one or more second crush ribs. The light pipe is positioned in a cavity of the light pipe housing such that the one or more first crush ribs are in contact with and press against the one or more second crush ribs. A narrow surface of the light pipe is proximal to the photosensor circuit such that a light that exits the light pipe through the narrow surface is directed toward the photosensor circuit.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or placements may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals that are used in different drawings designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In the following paragraphs, particular embodiments will be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the figures. In the description, well known components, methods, and/or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the embodiments is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

FIG. 1illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe assembly100according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe assembly100includes a light pipe102and a light pipe housing104. For example, the light pipe102may be at least partially positioned in a cavity of the light pipe housing104. InFIG. 1, the light pipe housing104is shown as a transparent housing for illustrative purposes.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing104may include longitudinal crush ribs106,108,110. For example, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may each extend between an opening116of the light pipe housing104at a first end and an opening118of the light pipe housing104at an opposite end. The light pipe housing104may be made from plastic, polycarbonate, or another suitable material as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, light that enters the light pipe102through a bottom surface of the light pipe102travels through the light pipe102and exits through a top surface of the light pipe102in the orientation of the light pipe102shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, light that enters the light pipe102through the top surface of the light pipe102travels through the light pipe102and exits through the bottom surface of the light pipe102in the orientation of the light pipe102shown inFIG. 1. To illustrate, the light pipe102may be a solid structure, and as the light travels through the light pipe102, the light may be retained in the light pipe102as a result of total internal reflection. The light pipe102may be made from polycarbonate or another polymer that is at least partially transparent to allow light to travel therethrough.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe102may include a circumferential crush rib112that extends annularly around the light pipe102. As the light pipe102is inserted into the cavity of the light pipe housing104through the opening of the light pipe housing104, the circumferential crush rib112comes in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and firmly retains the light pipe102in the cavity of the light pipe housing104. To illustrate, as the light pipe102is pressed or pushed upward in the cavity of the light pipe housing104, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112may be deformed at the contact areas between the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112. For example, the circumferential crush rib112may be in contact with the longitudinal crush rib106at a contact area114.

In some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs108,110may have similar contact areas with the circumferential crush rib112as the contact area114. Because the contact between the light pipe102and the light pipe housing104is limited to the small contact areas between the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112, the interference of the light pipe housing104on the transmission of light through the light pipe102may be significantly reduced compared to attachment methods that require larger contact areas between a light pipe and a light pipe housing.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe102may have a truncated cone shape as shown inFIG. 1. For example, in some applications, the truncated cone shape of the light pipe102may provide improved light collection and transmission through the light pipe102in contrast to light pipes that have a different shape (e.g., a uniformly cylindrical shape). The circumferential crush rib112may be positioned annularly around a circumference of the light pipe102to come in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs106-110when the bottom end of the light pipe102reaches the bottom opening116of the light pipe housing104.

To illustrate, when the light pipe102is pushed upward in the cavity of the light pipe housing104and is firmly attached to the light pipe housing104by virtue of the pressed contact between the circumferential crush rib112and the longitudinal crush ribs106-110, the bottom end of the light pipe102may be flush with or close to being flush with the bottom opening116of the light pipe housing104. Alternatively, the circumferential crush rib112may be located around the light pipe102to come in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs106-110before or after the bottom end of the light pipe102reaches the bottom opening116of the light pipe housing104. For example, the circumferential crush rib112may be located above or below the location of the circumferential crush rib112shown inFIG. 1without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe102and the light pipe housing104may be made using a method such as injection molding, etc. For example, a steel safe method may be used to form the longitudinal crush ribs106-110of the light pipe housing104and the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

The longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112firmly attach the light pipe102to the light pipe housing104. Because the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112come in contact as the light pipe102is pushed or pressed upward in the cavity of the light pipe housing104, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112may also allow the light pipe102and the light pipe housing104to have relatively larger tolerances in size than otherwise possible. In contrast to attachment methods that require larger areas of contact between a light pipe and a light pipe housing or another structure, the attachment of the light pipe102to the light pipe housing104using the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112poses significantly less interference with total internal reflection as light travels through the light pipe102. The relatively small contact areas between the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112as well as the truncated cone shape of the light pipe102may result in improved efficiency of transmission of light through the light pipe102. The relatively small contact areas between the longitudinal crush ribs106-110and the circumferential crush rib112also provides more flexibility in the selection of the color of the light pipe housing104as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe102and/or the light pipe housing104may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may extend down all the way to the opening116of the light pipe housing104without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may not extend all the way to the opening118of the light pipe housing104without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing104may be integrally formed with a larger housing such as a sensor housing, a lighting fixture housing, etc. without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe assembly100may be oriented differently than shown inFIG. 1without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, considering the orientation of the light pipe assembly100shown inFIG. 1as a vertical orientation, the light pipe assembly100may be rotated to an angle in a 360-degree rotation of the light pipe assembly100. For example, the light pipe assembly100may be horizontally oriented or flipped 180 degrees.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a top perspective view of the light pipe102shown inFIG. 1according to an example embodiment, andFIG. 2Billustrates a top view of the light pipe102shown inFIG. 1according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 1-2B, in some example embodiments, the light pipe102has a truncated cone shape and may include a narrow surface202and a wide surface204, the narrow surface202is narrower than the wide surface204. For example, a surface206of the light pipe extending between the narrow surface202and the wide surface204may be slanted at an angle that results a desirable total internal reflection as light travels through the light pipe102from the narrow surface202to the wide surface204. As a non-limiting example, the surface206may be slanted at 6 degrees relative to a vertical line extending through the outer perimeter208of the narrow surface202or the outer perimeter210of the wide surface204.

In some example embodiments, the length of the circumferential crush rib112between the wide surface204and the narrow surface202may be a few millimeters (e.g., 35 millimeters) or may be several inches or longer. The diameter of the wide surface204may also be a few millimeters (e.g., 10 millimeters) or may be smaller or larger. The circumferential crush rib112may extend outwardly from the surface106less than a millimeter. Alternatively, the circumferential crush rib112may extend outwardly from the surface106a millimeter or more depending on a particular application. In some example embodiments, the thickness of the circumferential crush rib112may be less than a millimeter or may be larger depending on a particular application. The circumferential crush rib112may be round or pointed as the circumferential crush rib112extends outwardly from the surface206.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe102may have another shape where a narrow surface at one end of the light pipe is narrower than a wide surface at an opposite end of the light pipe, where light can travel through the light pipe102in either direction between the narrow surface and the wide surface. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe102may have a non-symmetrical truncated cone shape without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the circumferential crush rib112may be at a different location between the narrow surface202and the wide surface204without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the circumferential crush rib112may be closer to the narrow surface202than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As another example, the circumferential crush rib112may be closer to the wide surface204than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a top perspective view of the light pipe housing104shown inFIG. 1according to an example embodiment.FIG. 3Billustrates another top perspective view of the light pipe housing104shown inFIG. 1according to an example embodiment, andFIG. 3Cillustrates the light pipe housing104ofFIG. 1illustratively shown as a transparent housing according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 1-3C, in some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may be on the inside surface302of the light pipe housing104. For example, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may be distributed evenly around the light pipe housing104. Alternatively, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may be distributed unevenly around the light pipe housing104. For example, the longitudinal crush ribs108and110may be closer to each other than to the longitudinal crush rib106.

In some example embodiments, as the light pipe102is pushed up into the cavity304through the opening116such that the narrow surface202of the light pipe102enters the cavity304from below the light pipe housing104, the circumferential crush rib112comes in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs106-110. As the light pipe102is pushed further upward, the circumferential crush rib112and the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may deform and firmly retain the light pipe102in the cavity304of the light pipe housing104. In some example embodiments, the light pipe102may be inserted down into the cavity304, where the narrow surface202of the light pipe102enters the cavity304through the opening118ahead of the wide surface204of the light pipe102.

In some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may extend down from the perimeter of the opening118but may not reach the perimeter of the opening116as more clearly shown inFIG. 3C. Alternatively, one or more of the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may extend all the way down to the perimeter of the opening116without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, one or more of the longitudinal crush ribs106-110may not extend up to the perimeter of the opening118without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing104may include more or fewer longitudinal crush ribs106-110than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the light pipe housing104may include one, two, four, or more longitudinal crush ribs. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing104may have a non-cylindrical shape inner and/or outer shape without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 4illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe housing400illustratively shown as a transparent housing according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing400may be used in place of the light pipe housing104in the light pipe assembly100ofFIG. 1. Referring toFIGS. 1-4, the light pipe housing400has an opening402at one end and an opening404on an opposite end. The light pipe housing400may also include longitudinal crush ribs406-410that may be used to firmly retain the light pipe102in a cavity412of the light pipe housing400in a similar manner as described with respect toFIGS. 1-3C. In contrast to the longitudinal crush ribs106-110of the light pipe housing104ofFIGS. 1 and 3A-3C, the longitudinal crush ribs406-410of the light pipe housing400may each have a relatively short length compared to the height of the light pipe housing400.

In some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs406-410may be located and may each have a length to accommodate expected variations in the location of the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102that may be inserted into the cavity412of the light pipe housing400. For example, the longitudinal crush ribs406-410may be located on the inside surface of the light pipe housing400such that, as the light pipe102is inserted upward into the cavity410through the opening402, the circumferential crush rib112may come in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs406-410and firmly retain the light pipe102in the cavity412in a similar manner as described above.

In some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs406-410may be longer or shorter than shown inFIG. 4without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs406-410may be equally spaced from each other or may be unevenly spaced from each other. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing400may include more or fewer longitudinal crush ribs406-410than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the light pipe housing400may include one, two, four, or more longitudinal crush ribs.

FIG. 5illustrates a top view of a light pipe housing500according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing500may be used in place of the light pipe housing104in the light pipe assembly100ofFIG. 1. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing500may include longitudinal crush ribs502-506on an inner surface508of the light pipe housing500. In contrast to the light pipe housing104ofFIGS. 1 and 3A-3C, the light pipe housing500is non-cylindrical but can still receive the light pipe102in the cavity510of the light pipe housing500in as similar manner as described with respect to the light pipe housing104.

In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing500may include more or fewer longitudinal crush ribs502-506than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the light pipe housing500may include one, two, four, or more longitudinal crush ribs. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing600may have a different non-cylindrical shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 6illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe housing600illustratively shown as a transparent housing according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing600may be used in place of the light pipe housing104in the light pipe assembly100ofFIG. 1. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing600has an opening602at one end and an opening604on an opposite end. The light pipe housing600may also include a longitudinal crush rib606that, together with the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102, may firmly retain the light pipe102ofFIGS. 1-2Bin a cavity of the light pipe housing600. For example, the light pipe102may be pushed upward into the cavity of the light pipe housing600through the opening602such that the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102comes in contact with the longitudinal crush rib606and such that the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102comes in contact with the inner surface of the light pipe housing600. To illustrate, the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102comes in contact with the inner surface of the light pipe housing600in an area of the light pipe housing600directly across from the longitudinal crush rib606.

In some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush rib606may extend the entire length of the light pipe housing600between the perimeter of the opening602and the perimeter of the opening604. In some alternative embodiments, the longitudinal crush rib606may be terminated above the perimeter of the opening602and/or below the perimeter of the opening604without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the longitudinal crush rib606may be similar to one of the longitudinal crush ribs406-408shown inFIG. 4. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing600may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 7illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe housing700illustratively shown as a transparent housing according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing700may be used in place of the light pipe housing104in the light pipe assembly100ofFIG. 1. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing700has an opening702at one end and an opening704on an opposite end. The light pipe housing700may also include longitudinal crush rib706,708that together with the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102may firmly retain the light pipe102ofFIGS. 1-2Bin a cavity of the light pipe housing700. For example, the light pipe102may be pushed upward into the cavity of the light pipe housing700through the opening702such that the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102comes in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs707,708in a similar manner as described with respect toFIG. 1.

In some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs707,708may be across from each other on the inner surface of the light pipe housing700. The longitudinal crush ribs707,708may also extend the entire length of the light pipe housing700between the perimeter of the opening702and the perimeter of the opening704. In some alternative embodiments, the one or both of the longitudinal crush ribs707,708may be terminated above the perimeter of the opening702and/or below the perimeter of the opening704without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the longitudinal crush ribs706,708may be similar to the longitudinal crush ribs406-408shown inFIG. 4. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing700may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 8illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe assembly800according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe assembly800includes a cover802that includes a light pipe housing804. For example, the cover802may be made from plastic, polycarbonate, etc. using a method such as injection molding as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. For example, the cover802may be a cover structure of a device such as a sensor, etc.

In some example embodiments, a light pipe806may be positioned in the cavity of the light pipe housing804. For example, the light pipe806may be made from a transparent material, such as a polycarbonate. The light pipe806may correspond to the light pipe102ofFIG. 1. To illustrate, the light pipe802may include a circumferential crush rib similar to the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102, and the light pipe housing804may include one or more longitudinal crush ribs similar to the longitudinal crush ribs106-110of the light pipe housing104ofFIG. 1. The light pipe802may be attached to the light pipe housing804by the circumferential crush rib of the light pipe802and the one or more longitudinal crush ribs of the light pipe housing804in a similar manner as described above. For example, the light pipe housing804may have an opening on an opposite side from an opening808of the light pipe housing804.

In some example embodiments, a photosensor component/circuit may be positioned above the light pipe806at the opening808of the light pipe housing804. For example, light that travels up through the light pipe806may exit the light pipe806and reach the photosensor component/circuit. Alternatively, a light source (e.g., an LED light source) may be positioned at the opening808and may emit its light (e.g., an indicator light) into the light pipe806. The light may travel down through the light pipe806and may be emitted on the opposite end of the light pipe806.

In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing804may be at a different location than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the cover802and/or the light pipe housing804may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing804may be similar to the light pipe housing104,400,500,600, or700without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 9Aillustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe902according to another example embodiment, andFIG. 9Billustrates a top view of the light pipe900shown inFIG. 9Aaccording to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe900may be used instead of the light pipe102in the light pipe assembly100without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe900may be used instead of the light pipe806in the light pipe assembly800without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe900may include a narrow surface902and a wide surface904on an opposite end of the light pipe900from the narrow surface902. The light pipe900may include a circumferential crush rib that includes crush rib segments906,908,910, and912. In contrast to the circumferential crush rib112that is may be a continuous annular crush rib (as more clearly shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B), the crush rib segments906-912are distributed around the circumference of a surface914of the light pipe900.

In some example embodiments, the crush rib segments906-912can be used to retain the light pipe900in a cavity of a light pipe housing, such as the light pipe housing104or another one the light pipe housings described above in a similar manner as described with respect to the light pipe102ofFIG. 1.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe900may be made from plastic, polycarbonate, or another suitable material as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. The light pipe900may be made using a method such as injection molding. For example, a steel safe method may be used to form the crush rib segments906-912of the light pipe900as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the crush rib segments906-912may be located higher or lower on the surface914than shown inFIG. 9Awithout departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe900may have a truncated cone shape as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe900may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe900may have a non-symmetrical truncated cone shape.

FIG. 10illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe1000according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1000may be used instead of the light pipe102in the light pipe assembly100without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1000may be used instead of the light pipe806in the light pipe assembly800without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe1000may include a narrow surface1002and a wide surface1004on an opposite end of the light pipe900from the narrow surface1002. The light pipe1000may include a circumferential crush rib that includes crush rib bumps1006,1008, and1010. In contrast to the circumferential crush rib112that is may be a continuous annular crush rib (as more clearly shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B), the crush rib bumps1006-1010are distributed around the circumference of a surface1012of the light pipe1000.

In some example embodiments, the crush rib bumps1006-1010can be used to retain the light pipe900in a cavity of a light pipe housing, such as the light pipe housing104or another one the light pipe housings described above in a similar manner as described with respect to the light pipe102ofFIG. 1.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe1000may be made from plastic, polycarbonate, or another suitable material as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. The light pipe1000may be made using a method such as injection molding. For example, a steel safe method may be used to form the crush rib bumps1006-1010of the light pipe1000as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the crush rib bumps1006-1010may be located higher or lower on the surface1012than shown inFIG. 10without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1000may have a truncated cone shape as shown inFIG. 10. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe1000may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe1000may have a non-symmetrical truncated cone shape.

FIG. 11illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe1100according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1100may be used instead of the light pipe102in the light pipe assembly100without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1100may be used instead of the light pipe806in the light pipe assembly800without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In contrast to the circumferential crush rib112of the light pipe102shown with inFIGS. 1-2B, the light pipe1100includes two circumferential crush ribs1102,1104that may be positioned annularly around the light pipe1100.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe1100may be made from plastic, polycarbonate, or another suitable material as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. The light pipe1100may be made using a method such as injection molding. For example, a steel safe method may be used to form the circumferential crush ribs1102,1104as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some alternative embodiments, one or both of the circumferential crush ribs1102,1104may include crush rib segments similar to the crush rib segments shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B. In some example embodiments, one or both of the circumferential crush ribs1102,1104may be located higher or lower than shown inFIG. 11without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1100may have a truncated cone shape as shown inFIG. 11. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe1100may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe1100may have a non-symmetrical truncated cone shape.

FIG. 12illustrates a top view of a light pipe1200according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1200may have an elliptical shape in the top view shown inFIG. 12. The light pipe1200may include a narrow surface1202and a wide surface1204on an opposite end of the light pipe1200from the narrow surface1202. The light pipe1200may also include a circumferential crush rib1206that is annularly around the light pipe1200between the narrow surface1202and the wide surface1204.

FIG. 13illustrates a top view of a light pipe1300according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1300may have a hexagonal shape in the top view shown inFIG. 13. The light pipe1300may include a narrow surface1302and a wide surface1304on an opposite end of the light pipe1300from the narrow surface1302. The light pipe1300may also include a circumferential crush rib1306that is annularly around the light pipe1300between the narrow surface1302and the wide surface1304.

FIG. 14illustrates a top view of a light pipe1400according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1400may have a rectangular shape in the top view shown inFIG. 14. The light pipe1400may include a narrow surface1402and a wide surface1404on an opposite end of the light pipe1400from the narrow surface1402. The light pipe1400may also include a circumferential crush rib1406that is annularly around the light pipe1400between the narrow surface1402and the wide surface1404.

In some example embodiments, each light pipe1200,1300,1400may be made from plastic, polycarbonate, or another suitable material as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. For example, each light pipe1200,1300,1400may be made using a method such as injection molding, and the crush ribs may be made a steel safe method as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some alternative embodiments, each of the light pipe1200,1300,1400may be used in a light pipe assembly, such as the light pipe assembly100and the light pipe assembly800, in a similar manner as described above, for example, with respect to the light pipe102. To illustrate, one or more circumferential crush ribs of the light pipe1200,1300,1400along with the longitudinal crush ribs of a light pipe housing, such as the light pipe housing104, may retain the particular light pipe1200,1300,1400in the cavity of the respective light pipe housing.

In some alternative embodiments, each of the light pipes1200-1400may include more than one circumferential crush ribs without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, one or more of the light pipes1200-1400may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 15illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe assembly1500according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light pipe assembly1500includes a light pipe1502and a light pipe housing1504. For example, the light pipe1502may be at least partially positioned in a cavity of the light pipe housing1504. In FIG.15, the light pipe housing1504is shown as a transparent housing for illustrative purposes to more clearly show details of the light pipe1502and light pipe housing1504.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe1502may include longitudinal crush ribs1506,1508,1510. For example, the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510may each extend between a top end of the light pipe1502and a bottom end of the light pipe1502. Light that enters the light pipe1502through a bottom surface of the light pipe1502travels through the light pipe1502and exits through a top surface of the light pipe1502in the orientation of the light pipe1502shown inFIG. 15. Alternatively, light that enters the light pipe1502through the top surface of the light pipe1502travels through the light pipe1502and exits through the bottom surface of the light pipe1502in the orientation of the light pipe1502shown inFIG. 15. To illustrate, the light pipe1502may be a solid structure, and as the light travels through the light pipe1502, the light may be retained in the light pipe1502as a result of total internal reflection. The light pipe1502may be made from polycarbonate or another polymer that is at least partially transparent to allow light to travel through the light pipe1502.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing1504may include a circumferential crush rib1512that extends out annularly on the inside surface of the light pipe housing1504toward the cavity of the light pipe housing1504. The light pipe housing1504may be made from plastic, polycarbonate, or another suitable material as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

As the light pipe1502is inserted upward into the cavity of the light pipe housing1504through a bottom opening1516of the light pipe housing1504toward a top opening1518of the light pipe housing1504, the circumferential crush rib1512of the light pipe housing1504comes in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510of the light pipe1502and firmly retains the light pipe1502in the cavity of the light pipe housing1504. To illustrate, as the light pipe1502is pressed or pushed upward in the cavity of the light pipe housing1504, the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512may be deformed at the contact areas between the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512. For example, the circumferential crush rib1512may be in contact with the longitudinal crush rib1506at a contact area1514.

In some example embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs1508,1510may have similar contact areas with the circumferential crush rib1512as the contact area1514. Because the contact between the light pipe1502and the light pipe housing1504is limited to the small contact areas between the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512, the interference of the light pipe housing1504on the transmission of light through the light pipe102may be significantly reduced compared to attachment methods that require larger contact areas between a light pipe and a light pipe housing.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe1502may have a truncated cone shape as shown inFIG. 15. For example, in some applications, the truncated cone shape of the light pipe1502may provide improved light collection and transmission through the light pipe1502in contrast to light pipes that have a different shape (e.g., a uniformly cylindrical shape). The circumferential crush rib1512may be located on the light pipe housing1504to come in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510when the bottom end of the light pipe1502reaches the bottom opening1516of the light pipe housing1504. Alternatively, the circumferential crush rib1512may be located to come in contact with the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510before or after the bottom end of the light pipe102reaches the bottom opening1516of the light pipe housing1504.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe1502and the light pipe housing1504may be made using a method such as injection molding, etc. For example, a steel safe method may be used to form the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

The longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512firmly attach the light pipe1502to the light pipe housing1504. Because the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512come in contact as the light pipe1502is pushed or pressed upward in the cavity of the light pipe housing1504, the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512may also allow the light pipe1502and the light pipe housing1504to have relatively larger tolerances in size than otherwise possible. In contrast to attachment methods that require larger areas of contact between a light pipe and a light pipe housing or another structure, the attachment of the light pipe1502to the light pipe housing1504using the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512poses significantly less interference with total internal reflection as light travels through the light pipe102. The relatively small contact areas between the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512as well as the truncated cone shape of the light pipe1502may result in improved efficiency of transmission of light through the light pipe1502. The relatively small contact areas between the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510and the circumferential crush rib1512also provides more flexibility in the selection of the color of the light pipe housing1504as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe1502and/or the light pipe housing1504may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe1502may include fewer (e.g., one or two) or more (e.g., four) than three longitudinal crush ribs without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510may not extend the entire length of the light pipe1502without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510may not extend all the way to the top end and/or the bottom end of the light pipe1502without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing1504may be integrally formed with a larger housing such as a sensor housing, a lighting fixture housing, etc. without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe assembly1500may be oriented differently than shown inFIG. 15without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, considering the orientation of the light pipe assembly1500shown inFIG. 15as a vertical orientation, the light pipe assembly1500may be rotated to a particular angle in a 360-degree rotation of the light pipe assembly1500. For example, the light pipe assembly1500may be horizontally oriented or flipped 180 degrees.

FIG. 16illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe assembly1600according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, in some example embodiments, the light pipe assembly1600may include a light pipe1602and the light pipe housing1504. In contrast to the light pipe1502ofFIG. 15, the light pipe1602may include longitudinal crush ribs, such as a longitudinal crush rib1604, that do extend for less than the entire length of the light pipe1602. In general, the light pipe1602may be made from the same material and in a similar manner as the light pipe1502.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe1602may include three longitudinal crush ribs that correspond to the longitudinal crush ribs1506-1510of the light pipe1502ofFIG. 15. Alternatively, the light pipe1602may include more or fewer than three longitudinal crush ribs. The longitudinal crush rib1604may be longer or shorter than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The light pipe1602may be inserted in the cavity of the light pipe housing1604in a similar manner as described above with respect to the light pipe1502. In general, the light pipe1602may be made from the same material and in a similar manner as the light pipe1502.

FIG. 17illustrates a top perspective view of a light pipe assembly1700according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 15-17, in some example embodiments, the light pipe assembly1700may include the light pipe1602and a light pipe housing1702. In contrast to the light pipe housing1504ofFIG. 15, the light pipe housing1702may include a circumferential crush rib that includes multiple segments such as crush rib segments1704,1706,1708. To illustrate, each crush rib segment1704,1706,1708extends out from the inner surface of the light pipe housing1702toward the cavity of the light pipe housing1702. In general, the light pipe housing1702may be made from the same material and in a similar manner as the light pipe housing1504.

In some example embodiments, the crush rib segments1704-1708can be used to retain the light pipe1602in the cavity of a light pipe housing1702in a similar manner as described with respect to the light pipe1502and the light pipe housing1504ofFIG. 15. For example, the crush rib segments1704-1708may be located such that the top surface of the light pipe1602is flush with or below the top opening of the light pipe housing1702when the light pipe1602is retained in the light pipe housing1702by the crush rib segments1704-1708and the longitudinal crush ribs such as the longitudinal crush rib1604. In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe1502shown inFIG. 15or another light pipe may be used with the light pipe housing1702.

In some alternative embodiments, the light pipe housing1702may include more or fewer crush rib segments than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the crush rib segments1704,1706,1708may be shorter or longer than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the crush rib segments1704,1706,1708may be bumps without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the light pipe housing1702may be integrally formed with a larger housing such as a sensor housing, a lighting fixture housing, etc. without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 18illustrates a block diagram of a sensor device1800including a light pipe assembly1802according to an example embodiment. For example, the light pipe assembly1802may correspond the light pipe assembly100,800, or another of the light pipe assembly. In some example embodiments, the sensor device1800may include a photosensor component/circuit1804that may be positioned at an end of the light pipe of the light pipe assembly1802to receive light that exits the light pipe of the light pipe assembly1802. For example, considering the light pipe assembly1802as corresponding to the light pipe assembly100shown inFIG. 1where the light pipe assembly100includes the light pipe102shown inFIGS. 1-2B, light that enters the wide surface204of the light pipe102may exit through the narrow surface202toward the photosensor component/circuit1804. To illustrate, the photosensor component/circuit1804may be positioned at the narrow surface202of the light pipe102. As another example, considering the light pipe assembly1802as corresponding to the light pipe assembly1500shown inFIG. 15, light that enters the bottom surface of the light pipe1502may exit through the narrow top surface of the light pipe1502toward the photosensor component/circuit1804.

In some example embodiments, the photosensor component/circuit1804may generate one or more electrical signals based on the light received from the light pipe of the light pipe assembly1802. For example, the photosensor component/circuit1804may output one or more electrical signals that indicates the intensity level of natural light in a room. Alternatively, the photosensor component/circuit1804may output one or more electrical signals that electrically represent the light that is received by the photosensor component/circuit1804.

In some example embodiments, the light pipe assembly1802and the photosensor component/circuit1804may be in a sensor housing1802. For example, the light pipe housing of the light pipe assembly1802may be integrally formed with the sensor housing1806and may include an opening such that light can reach the wide surface of the light pipe of the light pipe assembly1802. In some example embodiments, the sensor device1800may include other components without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 19illustrates a sensor device1900including a light pipe assembly according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the sensor device1900may include a sensor housing1902. A light pipe1904may be positioned in a light pipe housing1906in a similar manner as described above with respect to light pipes (e.g., the light pipe102, the light pipe1502, etc.) as well as light pipe housings (e.g., the light pipe housing104, the light pipe housing1504, etc.).

In some example embodiments, an opening1912of the sensor housing1902may be aligned with the light pipe housing1906and the light pipe1904such that light can enter the light pipe1904. The light that enters the light pipe1904may travel through the light pipe1904in a similar manner as described above, for example, with respect to the light pipe102. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1904and the light pipe housing1906may together correspond to the light pipe assembly100described above. In some example embodiments, the light pipe1904and the light pipe housing1906along with a portion of the sensor housing1902may together correspond to the light pipe assembly800described above.

In some example embodiments, one or more electricals generated by a photosensor component/circuit that is inside the sensor housing1902may carried by one or more wires1902that are connected to a connector1910. In some example embodiments, the sensor device1900corresponds to the sensor device1800ofFIG. 18.

In some example embodiments, the sensor device1900may be installed in a ceiling as a standalone device. In some example embodiments, the sensor device1900may be attached to a lighting fixture housing. In some alternative embodiments, the sensor housing1902may have a different shape than shown inFIG. 19without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the opening1912of the sensor housing1902as well as the light pipe1904and the light pipe housing1906may be at a different location than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 20illustrates a lighting fixture including a sensor device according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the lighting fixture2000includes a light source2002(e.g., an LED light source), a driver2004, and a sensor device2006. For example, the light source2002, the driver2004, and the sensor device2006may each be at least partially in one or more cavities or compartments of a lighting fixture housing2008of the lighting fixture2000.

In some example embodiments, the sensor device2006may correspond to the sensor component/circuit1804ofFIG. 18or the sensor device1900ofFIG. 19. For example, the driver2004that provides power to the light source2002may control or adjust the power based on sensor information (e.g., light intensity level, etc.) from the sensor device2006. The sensor device2006may be attached to the lighting fixture housing2008such that light can reach the light pipe of the sensor device2006such that the light can travel through the light pipe to reach a photosensor of the sensor device2006.

In some example embodiments, the lighting fixture2000may include other components without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the driver2004may be fully outside of the lighting fixture housing2008. Although particular embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features, elements, and/or steps may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.