Adjustable Beam Spread Lamp Using Segmented TIR Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directional lamps lack user-selectable beam spread options, requiring different lamps for varying lighting tasks, as existing lamps only provide a fixed beam spread.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a combination of a distal lens with segmented optic elements and an intermediate lens with total internal reflection (TIR) elements, allowing for adjustable beam spreads by positioning the distal lens segments relative to the TIR lenses and finite light sources, enabling multiple beam spread configurations from a single lamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed beam spread lamp is used, then the lamp structure is simple, but the adaptability to different lighting tasks is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The distal lens is divided into multiple segments, each with different optical properties that correspond to different beam spread angles. By selectively positioning different segments in the optical path, the lamp can provide multiple beam spread options (e.g., 15°, 30°, 60°) without requiring multiple complete lens assemblies, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single lamp fixture incorporates multiple optical functions by combining the segmented distal lens with the intermediate lens containing TIR elements. This universal design allows the same physical lamp to perform multiple beam spread functions, replacing the need for multiple specialized lamps for different lighting tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lamps with different beam spreads are used, then the beam spread adaptability is improved, but the quantity of lamps required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal lamp design where a single lamp fixture can provide multiple beam spread options through the segmented lens system. This eliminates the need to install multiple different lamp types (spotlight, floodlight, wallwasher) and allows one lamp to replace several, reducing the total quantity of lamps required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamp incorporates a dynamic lens positioning mechanism that allows the distal lens segments to be moved or rotated into different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same physical lamp to change its optical characteristics on-demand, providing multiple beam spread options without requiring multiple static lamp fixtures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically actuated variable optics are used, then the beam spread adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a continuous variable optics system that would require complex mechanical deformation of optical surfaces, the patent segments the distal lens into discrete sections. This segmentation allows for simpler mechanical actuation where individual segments can be positioned independently, reducing the complexity of the optical system while maintaining beam spread adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical deformation systems with a simpler positioning mechanism. Instead of mechanically actuating continuous optical surfaces to change shape, the system uses discrete lens segments that can be positioned through simpler mechanical means, thereby achieving beam spread adjustment with reduced mechanical complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables multiple selectable beam spreads from a single lamp, accommodating various lighting tasks without the need for multiple lamp fixtures, enhancing versatility and flexibility in lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate lens located between the lamp base and the distal lens. The intermediate lens can include total internal reflection (TIR) lens elements
Implementation Method 2
the distal lens including segments with optic elements that differ between the segments
Data Source
AI summary
A lamp having a lamp base and a longitudinal axis, with a first lens with more than one segment having optic elements located distal from the lamp base. Where optic elements within a segment have similar optical properties and at least two of the segments have optic elements with different optical properties. A second lens located between the distal lens and the lamp base, the second lens having a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) lens elements each having a focal point, with a finite light source is positioned at about each of the TIR lens element focal points. At least one of the first lens or the second lens is moveable about the longitudinal axis so as to change an alignment between the optic element segments, the TIR lens elements, and the finite light sources.