Lighting method and system
View Patent ↗A lighting system including a light-emitting diode cradle securing at least one light-emitting diode and a modular unit comprising an arcuate portion, the arcuate portion comprising at least one diffusive reflective surface adapted to receive and reflect light from the at least one light-emitting diode. The lighting system further includes a diffusive transmissive element adapted to receive light reflected by the diffusive reflective surface and provide diffused light to an area requiring illumination.
1. A lighting system comprising:
a light-emitting diode cradle securing at least one light-emitting diode;
a modular unit comprising an arcuate portion, the arcuate portion comprising at least one diffusive reflective surface adapted to receive and reflect light from the at least one light-emitting diode;
a diffusive transmissive element;
wherein the light-emitting diode cradle is positioned relative to the modular unit so that light output from the at least one light-emitting diode is directed onto the at least one diffusive reflective surface at an acute angle relative to a normal axis of a given point on the at least one diffusive reflective surface to provide diffused light; and
wherein the diffused light strikes the diffusive transmissive element for additional diffusion via angular scattering resulting in a smoother light output to an area requiring illumination and results in the at least one light-emitting diode to be completely concealed when viewed from the area requiring illumination.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting diode cradle further comprises:
a main body having at least one opening for receiving the at least one light-emitting diode;
a first outwardly extending elongate surface extending from a first side of the main body and engaging with a track of the modular unit;
a plurality of locking tabs extending from a second side of the main body;
wherein each locking tab of the plurality of locking tabs comprises an upwardly extending latch for engaging a groove of the modular unit; and
a plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs located adjacent each of the plurality of openings.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs reflect and diffuse light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode onto the at least one diffusive reflective surface.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs are painted with a reflective and diffusive material.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the modular unit further comprises:
a mouth region connected to the arcuate portion and comprising a first surface and a second surface;
wherein the first and second surfaces are oppositely disposed;
a track formed between the second surface and a lip;
a mounting cavity receiving the diffusive transmissive element on an outside surface of the modular unit; and
a neck region comprising a groove interfacing with a portion of the light-emitting diode cradle.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the first and second surfaces are generally J-shaped.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the diffusive transmissive element comprises a lens having inward-curving surfaces toward the at least one light-emitting diode.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the diffusive transmissive element is adapted to provide light transmissivity of about 60% and angular scattering of about +/−20 degrees.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the modular unit is formed of a unitary heat-conductive rigid material.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the heat-conductive rigid material comprises aluminum.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one diffusive reflective surface is painted with a reflective material.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one diffusive reflective surface is adapted to provide light reflectivity of about 60%.
13. A lighting system comprising:
a cradle securing at least one light-emitting element, the cradle comprising:
a U-shaped groove;
an elongate surface extending from the U-shaped groove; and
a locking tab comprising an upwardly extending latch;
a modular unit comprising:
a mouth region receiving at least part of and achieving interlocking engagement with the cradle, the mouth region comprising:
a first surface;
a second surface oppositely disposed relative to the first surface and comprising a lip abutting and matingly engaging the U-shaped groove, the lip forming a track receiving the elongate surface;
a neck region comprising a groove, the groove receiving and engaging the upwardly extending latch of the locking tab; and
an arcuate portion extending from the second surface and comprising a diffusive reflective surface receiving light from the at least one light-emitting element; and
wherein the at least one light-emitting element is completely concealed when viewed from an area requiring illumination.
14. The lighting system of claim 13 , further comprising:
a plurality of openings for receiving the at least one light-emitting diode; and
a plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs located adjacent each of the plurality of openings.
15. The lighting system of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs are adapted to reflect and diffuse light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode onto the diffusive reflective surface.
16. The lighting system of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs are painted with a reflective and diffusive material.
17. The lighting system of claim 13 , wherein the modular unit is formed of a unitary heat-conductive rigid material.
18. The lighting system of claim 17 , wherein the heat-conductive rigid material comprises aluminum.
19. The lighting system of claim 13 , wherein the cradle is positioned relative to the modular unit so that light output from the at least one light-emitting element is directed onto the diffusive reflective surface at an acute angle relative to a normal axis of a given point on the diffusive reflective surface.
20. A method comprising:
providing a cradle for securing at least one light-emitting element, the cradle comprising:
a main body;
a first outwardly extending elongate surface extending from a first side of the main body;
a plurality of locking tabs extending from a second side of the main body;
a plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs located adjacent each of a plurality of openings; and
a groove formed between the first outwardly extending elongate surface and the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs;
providing a modular unit comprising:
an arcuate portion;
a mouth region connected to the arcuate portion and comprising oppositely disposed first surface and second surfaces;
a track formed between the second surface and a lip; and
a neck region comprising a groove;
inserting the cradle into the modular unit via an opening between the arcuate portion and a surface extending downwardly from the groove;
positioning the cradle so that the groove of the cradle is above the lip;
cantilevering the cradle against the surface extending downwardly from the groove until the first outwardly extending elongate surface of the cradle is positioned above the track;
applying pressure against the plurality of locking tabs towards the surface; and
wherein the at least one light-emitting element is completely concealed when viewed from an area requiring illumination.