BATWING LENSE

INDIRECT LIGHTING FOR LOW CEILINGS

UNIQUE. ELEGANT. INDIRECT.

The development of the Batwing Lens began with a challenge familiar to lighting designers and architects alike: How do you create indirect, uniform lighting in low ceilings without disturbing hot spots, harsh shadows or uneven light distribution?

Conventional lenses and diffusers have proved their worth in many scenarios, particularly in rooms with high ceilings or large distances between the light source and the ceiling. In such applications they produce a uniform light distribution and a pleasant light pattern. However, with lower ceiling heights or suspended profiles mounted close to the ceiling, traditional solutions reach their limits: The light becomes more concentrated, which can lead to spot lighting and visible differences in brightness on the ceiling and walls.

The first image illustrates the hard shadows that can occur with conventional indirect lenses at low ceiling heights. The second illustrates the solution offered by the Batwing lens with its wide, even light distribution.

The first image illustrates the hot spots that can occur with conventional indirect lenses at low ceiling heights. The second illustrates the light distribution provided by the Batwing lens without the hard transitions.

In designing the Batwing Lens, our aim was to refract and direct light beams in a way that produces uniform illumination even in challenging scenarios. The innovative lens makes this possible thanks to its flat, precise geometry, regardless of the height or orientation of the luminaire. Now, finally, we made this vision a reality: With the Batwing Lens, we offer a solution specially optimised for low ceilings and suspended luminaires, while conventional solutions remain the ideal choice for high ceilings and greater distances from the light source.

A LENS THAT RESHAPES THE LIGHT

The Batwing Lens is no ordinary diffuser, but an innovation in indirect lighting solutions. Its special geometry and unique surface structure distributes the light to create a large area of uniform brightness, changing the overall feel of the room. The light beam is intelligently directed so that it emerges in a wide curve, providing uniform illumination of the ceiling. This uniformity is achieved even with very low pendant heights - and without annoying hot spots!

THE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT: FROM THE IDEA TO THE PERFECT LENS

Stage 1: Problem definition - aiming for homogeneity and flexibility

We started by analysing existing lens solutions and found that they did not provide satisfactory results in rooms with low ceilings. It quickly became clear that a new type of lens was needed that could do more than conventional diffusers - it had to direct light outwards in a targeted manner and work independently of the LED pitch. A high degree of flexibility for use in different luminaire families was a key requirement from the outset.

Stage 2: The first prototypes - calculating and experimenting with light refraction

The second phase of development focused on the study of light refraction and reflection. We developed initial prototypes using different materials, including clear, textured and matt surfaces. We quickly realised that the perfect solution would be a combination of different surface structures and innovative geometry.

Stage 3: The realisation - micro-convex lenses for maximum dispersion

The breakthrough came with the development of a micro-convex lens structure at the top of the lens. This small but crucial adjustment fundamentally changed the way light was refracted and distributed. The micro-fine structure allowed light to be rotationally symmetric and evenly scattered outwards. The result was a much more homogeneous illumination with no hot spots.

Stage 4: The challenge of Tunable White - light colours without compromise

A key aspect of the development was the use of the Batwing lens with Tunable White. The flexible adjustment of colour temperature and the resulting mixing of light colours was a major challenge. Initial attempts to develop separate channels for different colour temperatures were promising, but too complex and costly to manufacture. We needed to find a solution where all colour temperatures could be evenly distributed using a single lens shape.

Stage 5: Precision in detail - optimising the channel system

We developed a continuous channel system within the lens that allowed the Tunable White applications to be integrated into the Batwing lens without compromise by carefully balancing material density. Care was taken to develop a geometry that is independent of the pitch (LED spacing), which simultaneously directs the light outwards and mixes the individual light sources well. At this stage of development, fine grooves were visible on the surface, but these did not yet produce the desired light pattern and were therefore further refined.

Stage 6: Skilful surface design - the challenge of transparency

We worked hard to optimise the surface and came up with a solution that involved a gently curved structure throughout. However, the transparent material we chose meant that the LEDs remained clearly visible, which detracted from the visual appearance.

Stage 7: Finishing touches and perfection - the final shape and choice of material

In the final stage of development, we paid particular attention to the fine polishing of the material. The surfaces of the lens were partially frosted to ensure even greater homogeneity of the light-emitting surfaces, while the light-entry and reflector surfaces remained polished to ensure maximum light output. The material of choice: PMMA satin, which not only has excellent refractive properties, but is also durable and resistant to yellowing. After numerous tests and simulations, the perfect geometry was achieved - a lens that distributes the light over a large area and provides consistent diffusion for any application.

Stage 1: Problem definition - aiming for homogeneity and flexibility

Stage 2: The first prototypes - calculating and experimenting with light refraction

Stage 3: The realisation - micro-convex lenses for maximum dispersion

Stage 4: The challenge of Tunable White - light colours without compromise

Stage 5: Precision in detail - optimising the channel system

Stage 6: Skilful surface design - the challenge of transparency

Stage 7: Finishing touches and perfection - the final shape and choice of material

Stage 1: Problem definition - aiming for homogeneity and flexibility

Stage 2: The first prototypes - calculating and experimenting with light refraction

Stage 3: The realisation - micro-convex lenses for maximum dispersion

Stage 4: The challenge of Tunable White - light colours without compromise

Stage 5: Precision in detail - optimising the channel system

Stage 6: Skilful surface design - the challenge of transparency

Stage 7: Finishing touches and perfection - the final shape and choice of material

UNIQUE IN DESIGN AND FUNCTION

The Batwing Lens differs from conventional lenses through its innovative combination of surfaces in a single linear lens. As a result, each surface is specifically optimised for efficiency and homogeneity. The fine micro-convex lens structure on the upper surface ensures rotationally symmetric mixing of the light rays, resulting in particularly uniform light distribution.

UNIQUE IN DESIGN AND FUNCTION

TARGETED LIGHT REFRACTION

The Batwing lens directs light in a unique way: The specially designed geometry ensures that the light is distributed indirectly across the ceiling, creating uniform brightness. From a certain angle of incidence, the light beam is refracted inwards rather than outwards, creating a highly efficient, indirect illumination of the ceiling surface.

WONDERING HOW THE NAME CAME ABOUT?

The name has been used in the lighting industry for a long time and is derived from the shape of the light distribution curve. In conventional batwing lenses, this is very bat-like.

BATWING LENS VS. STANDARD LENS: HOW THE LIGHT INTENSITY DIFFERS IN THE RELUX/DIALUX

In Relux/Dialux, the difference between the Batwing Lens and a conventional lens is particularly clear. With the Batwing Lens, there is no clear concentration of light in a hotspot, but rather an even, well-distributed light on the ceiling. This ensures that the light is neither too strong nor too weak. Another advantage is evident in the simulations: even if the pendant height of the luminaire is varied, this effect of uniform light distribution is maintained.

The example shows the light output of the Batwing lens at a low ceiling height of 2.5 metres. Two different suspension heights have been tested.

In comparison, this example shows the effect of light output with a conventional lens at the same room height and pendant height.

The example shows the light output of the Batwing lens at a standard room height of 2.8 metres. Two different mounting heights have been tested.

In comparison, this example shows the effect of light output with a conventional lens at the same room and mounting heights.

THE 5 KEY STRENGTHS OF THE BATWING LENS

Optimum light distribution at low room heights

Even with low ceilings or limited suspension heights, the Batwing Lens provides uniform illumination without annoying hot spots or shadows.

Unique surface texture for uniform light quality

The combination of different surfaces within a single linear lens ensures maximum uniformity and efficiency on any surface.

Innovative micro-convex lens technology

The special structure on the upper side of the lens ensures rotationally symmetric mixing of the light beams and prevents spotlighting.

Tunable white integration without compromise

Thanks to a continuous channel system and carefully matched material densities, the Batwing lens seamlessly adapts to different colour temperatures without compromising homogeneity.

Universal flexibility

The Batwing Lens is optimised for different luminaire families such as Slider, Hypro-F and Slider-F and can be flexibly adapted in length, width and LED spacing for future profile systems.

Optimum light distribution at low room heights

Even with low ceilings or limited suspension heights, the Batwing Lens provides uniform illumination without annoying hot spots or shadows.

Unique surface texture for uniform light quality

The combination of different surfaces within a single linear lens ensures maximum uniformity and efficiency on any surface.

Innovative micro-convex lens technology

The special structure on the upper side of the lens ensures rotationally symmetric mixing of the light beams and prevents spotlighting.

Tunable white integration without compromise

Thanks to a continuous channel system and carefully matched material densities, the Batwing lens seamlessly adapts to different colour temperatures without compromising homogeneity.

Universal flexibility

The Batwing Lens is optimised for different luminaire families such as Slider, Hypro-F and Slider-F and can be flexibly adapted in length, width and LED spacing for future profile systems.

Optimum light distribution at low room heights

Even with low ceilings or limited suspension heights, the Batwing Lens provides uniform illumination without annoying hot spots or shadows.

Unique surface texture for uniform light quality

The combination of different surfaces within a single linear lens ensures maximum uniformity and efficiency on any surface.

Innovative micro-convex lens technology

The special structure on the upper side of the lens ensures rotationally symmetric mixing of the light beams and prevents spotlighting.

Tunable white integration without compromise

Thanks to a continuous channel system and carefully matched material densities, the Batwing lens seamlessly adapts to different colour temperatures without compromising homogeneity.

Universal flexibility

The Batwing Lens is optimised for different luminaire families such as Slider, Hypro-F and Slider-F and can be flexibly adapted in length, width and LED spacing for future profile systems.

VERSATILE APPLICATIONS

The Batwing Lens is designed to be a universal solution for a wide range of luminaire families. Its modular design allows it to be flexibly adapted in length and width and easily combined with a wide range of LEDs.

PRODUCTS

It is currently used in our SLIDER or SLIDER-F and HYPRO or HYPRO-F products, but its potential goes far beyond that: the Batwing Lens is designed to be used in all future profile systems. This flexibility makes it the ideal choice for all indirect lighting solutions and allows us to provide future lighting innovations with perfect light distribution.

HYPRO or HYPRO-F

The HYPRO family is a highly flexible profile system that combines both general and accent lighting in a single hybrid profile. The HYPRO profile uses LOW-GLARE modules for downlighting and linear modules for general lighting. The use of the innovative Batwing Lens provides even more efficient indirect light distribution to complete the lighting solution.

CONFIGURE HYPRO

MORE ABOUT HYPRO

HAVE WE PIQUED YOUR INTEREST AND DO YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Please contact us if you have any questions about the Batwing Lens or our innovative lighting solutions. We will be happy to explain all the details and help you choose the right solution for your individual needs.