WO2018087729A1

WO2018087729A1 - Modular continuous optical system

Info

Publication number: WO2018087729A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/057084
Authority: WO
Inventors: David O’ DRISCOLL; Nathan Moffat; Trent Carter
Original assignee: Brightgreen Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-14
Filing date: 2017-11-14
Publication date: 2018-05-17
Also published as: AU2017261471A1; AU2016259291A1

Abstract

A continuous optical system includes a light source housing, a light source, a linear optical component, and at least one removable optical retaining component. The light source housing includes an integral heat sink and a planar surface. The light source is thermally coupled to the light source housing and configured to emit a plurality of light rays. The linear optical component is coupled to the light source and configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam. The at least one removable optical retaining component is mechanically coupled to the light source housing and configured to modify beam characteristics of the output light beam.

Description

MODULAR CONTINUOUS OPTICAL SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0001] The present invention generally relates to lighting solutions and more particularly to a modular continuous optical system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION:

[0002] Continuous linear lighting include linear lights that are either made to a custom length or individual units that can be assembled in a continuous line. Current continuous linear lighting solutions use non-directional diffuse optics. The non-directional diffuse optics are inefficient as an optical system, for example in transferring emitted rays from a light source to a luminaires usable light output; and in illumination of areas or surfaces that are undesirable and inefficient due to lack of directionality. The continuous linear lighting solutions that use the non-directional diffuse optics thereby result in high glare which can cause discomfort, and in some cases temporary visual impairment. Such an effect is often intensified if an optical component is typically flush with an install surface and visible from any position within a space. Moreover, the current linear lighting solutions have a fixed standard optic whereby light characteristics cannot be modified to meet requirements of an installation environment.

[0003] Typically, reduction of glare is achieved through architecture or building design rather than at a product level. For instance, a non-directional continuous linear light is recessed or installed in such a way to indirectly illuminate a surface. However, a specialist is required to design, build and install linear lights thereby increasing an overall cost and reducing modularity of the space. As recess of a non-directional light in increased to lower the glare, efficiency decreases, thereby requiring a higher number of lights and consequently increasing cost of design, build, installation and operation. Existing linear lights use individual collimators or reflective louvres for light emitters and thereby cannot be scaled economically to application of a continuous linear lighting system. Further, the existing linear lights are incapable to modify light output at a product level following installation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0005] A continuous optical system includes a light source housing, a light source, a linear optical component, and at least one removable optical retaining component. The light source housing includes an integral heat sink and a planar surface. The light source is thermally coupled to the light source housing and configured to emit a plurality of light rays. The linear optical component is coupled to the light source and configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam. The at least one removable optical retaining component is mechanically coupled to the light source housing and configured to modify beam characteristics of the output light beam. A first removable optical retaining component of the at least one removable optical retaining component is coupled to a first end of the light source housing and configured to retain a first end of the linear optical component. A second removable optical retaining component of the at least one removable optical retaining component is coupled to a second end of the light source housing and configured to retain a first end of the linear optical component.

[0006] To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0007] The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0009] FIG. IB illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 1C illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0011] FIG. ID illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0012] FIG. IE illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with another embodiment; [0013] FIG. 2A illustrates a front elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with another embodiment; and

[0015] FIG. 2C illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3A & FIG. 3B illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0018] In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0019] Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system 100, in accordance with an embodiment. The continuous optical system 100 is a linear lighting that includes one or more components of a light source housing 105, a light source 110, a linear optical component 115, and at least one removable optical retaining component. The at least one retaining component can include a first removable optical retaining component 120 and a second removable optical retaining component 125. The continuous optical system 100 further includes an optical film 130. The components in the continuous optical system 100 are manufactured based on a continuous linear method.

[0021] The light source housing 105 is rectangular in shape and includes one or more protruding grooves. The light source housing 105 includes an integral heat sink and a planar surface. The light source 110 is thermally coupled to the light source housing 105 in a protruding groove, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. The linear optical component 115 is further coupled to the light source 105. In some embodiments, the linear optical component 115 is configured to be interchanged for modifying the beam characteristics of the output light beam. For instance, the linear optical component 115 can be interchanged by extracting or removing the at least one removable optical retaining component for substantial modification to a beam angle. The linear optical component 115 is one of an extruded lens, a rigid reflector, and a flexible reflector.

[0022] The first removable optical retaining component 120 of the at least one removable optical retaining component is mechanically coupled to a first end of the light source housing 105. The second removable optical retaining component 125 of the at least one removable optical retaining component is mechanically coupled to a second end of the light source housing 105. The first removable optical retaining component 120 and the second removable optical retaining component 125 is coupled to the light source housing 105 by one of a snap-fit engagement and a rail type engagement. The first removable optical retaining component 120 and the second removable optical retaining component 125 are configured to minimize glare and retention of the linear optical component 115.

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one removable optical retaining component is a single transparent extruded removable optical retaining component that is configured to retain the first end and the second end of the linear optical component 115.

[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one removable optical retaining component includes different configurations and is explained with reference to FIGS. 1A to IE.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one removable optical retaining component is configured to be assembled with one or more light source housings and is explained with reference to FIGS. 2 A to 2C.

[0026] The optical film 130 is coupled to the at least one removable optical retaining component. The optical film 130 is coupled to the at least one removable optical retaining component by one of a snap-fit engagement and a press-fit engagement. The optical film 130 can be an optical element including, but not limited to, a prismatic film, color filter or optical grating. In some embodiments, the optical film is resiliency flexible and configured to be interchanged for modifying the beam characteristics of the output light beam. For instance, the optical film 130 can be interchanged by extracting or removing the at least one removable optical retaining component for minor changes to a beam direction, a beam angle, or a glare rating.

[0027] The light source 110, housed in the light source housing 105, is configured to emit a plurality of light rays. The linear optical component 115 is configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam. The at least one removable optical retaining component, for example the first removable optical retaining component 120 and the second removable optical retaining component 125, is configured to modify beam characteristics of the output light beam. The at least one removable optical retaining component further provides a recess for the linear optical component 115 to minimize glare from the linear optical component 115. In some examples, surfaces of the at least one removable optical retaining component are either black with a matte finish or black with a gloss finish. The first removable optical retaining component 120 is configured to retain a first end of the linear optical component 115, and the second removable optical retaining component 125 is configured to retain a second end of the linear optical component 115.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the first removable optical retaining component

120 includes a top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in a clockwise direction). The top protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 rests against and retains the first end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom curved end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 is coupled to the first end of the light source housing 105. Similarly, the second removable optical retaining component 125 includes the top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in an anticlockwise direction). The top protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 rests against and retains the second end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom curved end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 is coupled to the second end of the light source housing 105.

[0029] The optical film 130 is configured to modify beam characteristics of the output light beam. Some examples of the beam characteristics modified by the optical film 130 include, but are not limited to, at least one of a beam angle of the output light beam, a beam direction of the output light beam, a beam chromaticity of the output light beam to reduce colour aberrations, a beam shape of the output light beam to illuminate a specific area, a spectrum of the output light beam, and a luminaires glare rating. The beam angle can be modified such that the output light beam is wider or narrower. The beam direction of the output light beam can be modified such that the output light beam is asymmetrical on one axis.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. IB, a side elevation of the continuous optical system

100 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. IB, the first removable optical retaining component 120 includes the top protruding end and a bottom protruding end. The top protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 rests against and retains the first end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 includes two protrusions that are coupled to the first end of the light source housing 105. Similarly, the second removable optical retaining component 125 includes the top protruding end and the bottom protruding end. The top protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 rests against and retains the second end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 is coupled to the second end of the light source housing 105.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1C, a side elevation of the continuous optical system

100 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the first removable optical retaining component 120 includes a top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in an anticlockwise direction). The top protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 rests against and retains the first end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom curved end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 is coupled to the first end of the light source housing 105. Similarly, the second removable optical retaining component 125 includes the top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in a clockwise direction). The top protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 rests against and retains the second end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom curved end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 is coupled to the second end of the light source housing 105.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. ID, a side elevation of the continuous optical system

100 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. ID, the first removable optical retaining component 120 includes the top protruding end and a bottom protruding hook end. The top protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 rests against and retains the first end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom protruding hook end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 includes a hook protrusion that is coupled to the first end of the light source housing 105. Similarly, the second removable optical retaining component 125 includes the top protruding end and the bottom protruding hook end. The top protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 rests against and retains the second end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom protruding hook end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 is coupled to the second end of the light source housing 105.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. IE, a side elevation of the continuous optical system

100 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. IE, the first removable optical retaining component 120 includes a top protruding end and a bottom end (for example, a curved close shape). The top protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 rests against and retains the first end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom end of the first removable optical retaining component 120 is coupled to the first end of the light source housing 105. Similarly, the second removable optical retaining component 125 includes the top protruding end and the bottom end. The top protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 rests against and retains the second end of the linear optical component 115. The bottom end of the second removable optical retaining component 125 is coupled to the second end of the light source housing 105.

[0034] The at least one removable optical retaining component is configured to be assembled with one or more light source housings, other than the light source housing 105 in FIG. 1A, and is explained with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a side elevation of the continuous optical system

200 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. The continuous optical system 200 is a linear lighting that includes one or more components of a light source housing 205, a light source 210, a linear optical component 215, and at least one removable optical retaining component. The at least one retaining component can include a first removable optical retaining component 220 and a second removable optical retaining component 225. The continuous optical system 200 further includes an optical film 230.

[0036] The light source housing 205 is square shaped and includes protruding grooves in lesser number as compared to that of the light source housing 205. The light source housing 205 includes an integral heat sink and a planar surface. The light source 210 is thermally coupled to the light source housing 105, as illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first removable optical retaining component

220 includes a top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in a clockwise direction). The top protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 220 rests against and retains the first end of the linear optical component 215. The bottom curved end of the first removable optical retaining component 220 is coupled to the first end of the light source housing 205. Similarly, the second removable optical retaining component 225 includes the top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in an anticlockwise direction). The top protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 225 rests against and retains the second end of the linear optical component 215. The bottom curved end of the second removable optical retaining component 225 is coupled to the second end of the light source housing 205.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a side elevation of the continuous optical system

230 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. The continuous optical system 230 is a linear lighting that includes one or more components of a light source housing 235, a light source 240, a linear optical component 245, and at least one removable optical retaining component. The at least one retaining component can include a first removable optical retaining component 250 and a second removable optical retaining component 255. The continuous optical system 200 further includes an optical film 260.

[0039] The light source housing 235 is square shaped and includes one or more protruding grooves. The light source housing 235 includes an integral heat sink and a planar surface. The light source 240 is thermally coupled to the light source housing 235 in a longitudinal protruding groove, as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the first removable optical retaining component

250 is of an extended size and includes a top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in a clockwise direction). The top protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 250 rests against and retains the first end of the linear optical component 245. The bottom curved end of the first removable optical retaining component 250 is coupled to the first end of the light source housing 235. Similarly, the second removable optical retaining component 255 is extended in size and includes the top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in an anticlockwise direction). The top protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 255 rests against and retains the second end of the linear optical component 245. The bottom curved end of the second removable optical retaining component 255 is coupled to the second end of the light source housing 235.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2C, a side elevation of the continuous optical system

265 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. The continuous optical system 265 is a linear lighting that includes one or more components of a light source housing 270, a light source 275, a linear optical component 280, and at least one removable optical retaining component. The at least one retaining component can include a first removable optical retaining component 285 and a second removable optical retaining component 290. The continuous optical system 200 further includes an optical film 295.

[0042] The light source housing 270 is rectangular shaped and includes one or more grooves. The light source housing 270 includes an integral heat sink and a planar surface. The light source 275 is thermally coupled to the light source housing 270 in a groove, as illustrated in FIG. 2C.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the first removable optical retaining component

285 is of an extended size and includes a top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in a clockwise direction). The top protruding end of the first removable optical retaining component 285 rests against and retains the first end of the linear optical component 280. The bottom curved end of the first removable optical retaining component 285 is coupled to the first end of the light source housing 270. Similarly, the second removable optical retaining component 290 is extended in size and includes the top protruding end and a bottom curved end (for example, curved in an anticlockwise direction). The top protruding end of the second removable optical retaining component 290 rests against and retains the second end of the linear optical component 280. The bottom curved end of the second removable optical retaining component 290 is coupled to the second end of the light source housing 270.

[0044] FIG. 3A illustrates a side elevation of a continuous optical system 300, in accordance with an embodiment. The continuous optical system 300 is a linear lighting that includes one or more components of a light source housing 305, a light source 310, a linear optical component 315, and a removable optical retaining component 320. The continuous optical system 300 further includes an optical film 325. The components in the continuous optical system 300 are manufactured based on a continuous linear method.

[0045] The light source housing 305 is square in shape and includes one or more protruding grooves. The light source housing 305 includes an integral heat sink and a planar surface. The light source 310 is thermally coupled to the light source housing 305 in a protruding groove and is mechanically coupled with the removable optical retaining component 320, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. The linear optical component 315 is further coupled to the light source 305. In some embodiments, the linear optical component 315 is configured to be detached, i.e., removed or interchanged for modifying the beam characteristics of the output light beam. For instance, in one implementation, the linear optical component 315 can be detached without extracting or removing the removable optical retaining component 320 for substantial modification to a beam angle. In another implementation, the linear optical component 315 can be detached by extracting or removing the removable optical retaining component 320 for substantial modification to a beam angle. The linear optical component 315 is one of an extruded lens, a rigid reflector, and a flexible reflector.

[0046] The removable optical retaining component 320 is, for example, square in shape confirming with the shape of the light source housing 305, as illustrated in the FIG. 3A. The removable optical retaining component 320 includes one or more protruding grooves, as illustrated in the FIG. 3A, such that the removable optical retaining component 320 is mechanically coupled to an end of the light source housing 305 via the one or more grooves of the light source housing 305. The removable optical retaining component 320 is coupled to the light source housing 305 by one of a snap-fit engagement or a rail type engagement. The removable optical retaining component 320 is configured to minimize glare and retention of the linear optical component 315.

[0047] In some embodiments, the removable optical retaining component 320 is a single transparent extruded removable optical retaining component that is configured to retain the first end and the second end of the linear optical component 315.

[0048] The optical film 325 is detachably coupled to the removable optical retaining component 320. The optical film 325 is detachably coupled to the removable optical retaining component 320 by one of a snap-fit engagement or a press-fit engagement. The optical film 325 can be an optical element including, but not limited to, a prismatic film, color filter or optical grating. In some embodiments, the optical film is resiliently flexible and configured to be interchanged for modifying the beam characteristics of the output light beam. For instance, the optical film 325 can be detached without extracting or removing the removable optical retaining component 320 for minor changes to a beam direction, a beam angle, or a glare rating.

[0049] The light source 310, housed in the light source housing 305, is configured to emit a plurality of light rays. The linear optical component 315 is configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam. The removable optical retaining component 320 is configured to modify beam characteristics of the output light beam. The removable optical retaining component 320 further provides a recess for the linear optical component 315 to minimize glare from the linear optical component 315. In some examples, surfaces of the removable optical retaining component 320 are either black with a matte finish or black with a gloss finish. The removable optical retaining component 320 is configured to retain a first end and a second end of the linear optical component 315.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the removable optical retaining component 320 is in an engaged position with the light source housing 305. The removable optical retaining component 320 includes a top protruding portion and a bottom curved portion (for example, curved in a clockwise direction). The top protruding portion of the removable optical retaining component 320 rests against and retains the end of the linear optical component 315. As such, the top protruding portion is coupled to the light source housing 305 through the one or more grooves by one of a snap-fit engagement or a rail type engagement. The bottom curved portion of the removable optical retaining component 320 is coupled to the first end and the second end of the linear optical component 315.

[0051] The optical film 325 is configured to modify beam characteristics of the output light beam. Some examples of the beam characteristics modified by the optical film 325 include, but are not limited to, at least one of a beam angle of the output light beam, a beam direction of the output light beam, a beam chromaticity of the output light beam to reduce colour aberrations, a beam shape of the output light beam to illuminate a specific area, a spectrum of the output light beam, and a luminaires glare rating. The beam angle can be modified such that the output light beam is wider or narrower. The beam direction of the output light beam can be modified such that the output light beam is asymmetrical on one axis.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 3B, a side elevation of the continuous optical system

300 is illustrated in accordance with the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the removable optical retaining component 320 is in an engaged position with the light source housing 305.

[00053] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide numerous advantages by providing a modular continuous optical system. The present disclosure provides a high efficiency, low glare optical system for use in continuous linear lighting. The invention minimizes glare by using a recessed directional optic that can further be interchanged to prevent light spill or undesirable illumination of areas. The present disclosure introduces an ability to change linear optical systems to meet space requirements both at time of the initial installation and as environment changes over lifetime of product thereby increasing longevity of the product._The present disclosure provides directional optics that can compensate for recess with modification of the beam characteristics. [0054] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0055] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A continuous optical system comprising:

a. a light source housing, the light source housing comprising an integral heat sink and a planar surface;

b. a light source thermally coupled to the light source housing and configured to emit a plurality of light rays;

c. a linear optical component coupled to the light source and configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam; and d. at least one removable optical retaining component mechanically coupled to the light source housing by one of a snap-fit engagement and a rail type engagement and configured to modify beam characteristics of the output light beam, a first removable optical retaining component of the at least one removable optical retaining component coupled to a first end of the light source housing and configured to retain a first end of the linear optical component, and a second removable optical retaining component of the at least one removable optical retaining component coupled to a second end of the light source housing and configured to retain a first end of the linear optical component.

2. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising:

an optical film coupled to the at least one removable optical retaining component for modifying beam characteristics, the optical film coupled to the at least one removable optical retaining component by one of a snap-fit engagement and a press-fit engagement.

3. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the optical film is configured to modify at least one of a beam angle of the output light beam, a beam direction of the output light beam, a beam chromaticity of the output light beam to reduce colour aberrations, a beam shape of the output light beam to illuminate a specific area, a spectrum of the output light beam, and a luminaires glare rating.

4. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the continuous optical system comprises components manufactured based on a continuous linear method.

5. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the optical film is configured to be interchanged for modifying beam characteristics of the output light beam, the optical film being interchanged by extracting the at least one removable optical retaining component.

6. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the linear optical component is configured to be interchanged for modifying beam characteristics of the output light beam, the linear optical component being interchanged by extracting the at least one removable optical retaining component.

7. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one removable optical retaining component provide a recess for the linear optical component.

8. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the linear optical component is one of an extruded lens, a rigid reflector, and a flexible reflector.

9. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one removable optical retaining component comprises a transparent extruded removable optical retaining component configured to retain the first end and the second end of the linear optical component.

10. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one removable optical retaining component is configured to be assembled with one or more light source housings.

11. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one removable optical retaining component is mechanically coupled to the light source housing by one of a snap-fit engagement and a rail type engagement.

12. A continuous optical system comprising:

a light source housing, the light source housing comprising an integral heat sink and a planar surface;

a light source thermally coupled to the light source housing and configured to emit a plurality of light rays;

a linear optical component coupled to the light source and configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam; and

a removable optical retaining component mechanically coupled to an end of the light source housing by one of a snap-fit engagement or a rail type engagement and configured to modify beam characteristics of the output light beam, the removable optical retaining component configured to retain a first end and a second end of the linear optical component.

13. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 12 and further comprising:

an optical film detachably coupled to the removable optical retaining component for modifying beam characteristics, the optical film coupled to the removable optical retaining component by one of a snap-fit engagement or a press-fit engagement.

14. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the optical film is configured to modify at least one of a beam angle of the output light beam, a beam direction of the output light beam, a beam chromaticity of the output light beam to reduce colour aberrations, a beam shape of the output light beam to illuminate a specific area, a spectrum of the output light beam, and a luminaires glare rating.

15. The continuous optical system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the continuous optical system comprises components manufactured based on a continuous linear method.