Planar mechanical actuation system for adjustable luminaires
A mechanical actuation system for a light fixture that allows for translation of an array of optics relative to an array of light sources in a defined plane. The system can prevent undesired movement such as rotation or out-of-plane motion. A simple and intuitive user interface enables a user to point a resulting light beam in a desired direction without requiring an understanding of the internal mechanical system. The user interface may include a manually manipulated touch point such as a joystick, knob, or other interface.
1. A luminaire that provides adjustable beam pointing comprising:
an array of light sources;
a corresponding array of optics, wherein each optical element of the array of optics is associated with at least one of the light sources of the array of light sources;
an actuation system to provide in-plane translation of the array of optics relative to the array of light sources while constraining in-plane rotation of the array of optics relative to the array of light sources;
wherein the actuation system comprises a linkage consisting of two links and a rail, wherein the two links are of equal length and wherein each link is attached to the rail and to a corresponding fixed point of attachment via a rotating joint;
wherein a distance between the fixed points of attachment is equal to a distance between the points of attachment of the links to the rail;
and wherein an optics holder, or the array of optics itself, is configured to slide in one axis relative to the rail.
2. The luminaire of claim 1 wherein the actuation system further constrains out-of-plane motion of the array of optics relative to the array of light sources.
3. The luminaire of claim 2 wherein the actuation system further comprises:
a fixed sliding interface; and
a mechanism for providing a force to push the rail or the optics holder against the fixed sliding interface.
4. The luminaire of claim 3 in which the force is provided by springs.
5. The luminaire of claim 3 in which the force is provided by one or more magnets attracted to a ferrous material.
6. The luminaire of claim 1 further comprising:
a user interface comprising a touch point arranged to adjust an in-plane position of the array of optics relative to the array of light-sources.
7. The luminaire of claim 6 in which the touch point is coupled to the optics holder or the array of optics.
8. The luminaire of claim 6 wherein the user interface additionally comprises:
a joystick;
a fixed ball-and-socket joint; and
a moving ball-and-socket joint;
wherein the moving ball-and-socket joint is attached to the optics holder or the array of optics, and wherein a tip of the joystick provides the touch point.
9. The luminaire of claim 8 in which the fixed ball-and-socket joint is located on a non-light-emitting side of the luminaire.
10. The luminaire of claim 8 in which the fixed ball-and-socket joint is located on a light-emitting side of the luminaire.
11. The luminaire of claim 6 in which the touch point is accessible from a light-emitting side of the luminaire.
12. The luminaire of claim 6 in which the touch point is accessible from a non-light-emitting side of the luminaire.
13. The luminaire of claim 1 further comprising one or more secondary optics attached to one of the optics holder, the optics array, or a housing for the luminaire.
14. The luminaire of claim 13 in which the secondary optics comprises at least a glare baffle designed to prevent high-angle light from escaping the luminaire.