Adjustable Light Emitting Device with Stepped Lens for Directional and Omnidirectional Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable light devices are limited to either directional or omnidirectional applications, with adapters like diffusers being unsuitable for wide-angle visibility and often reducing light intensity, particularly when using LEDs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable light emitting device with a stepped surface lens and a partially collimated light source that can project light directionally or omnidirectionally by adjusting the light source's position along the optical axis, allowing for simultaneous directional and omnidirectional illumination with maintained intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a diffuser is attached to a flashlight to diffuse light, then the light can be visible from more directions, but the light intensity is significantly reduced and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both directional and omnidirectional lighting capabilities into a single flashlight device. The reflector cup can be configured in different orientations (directional mode with reflective surface facing forward, omnidirectional mode with reflective surface facing backward) to provide multiple lighting patterns without requiring separate devices or additional diffuser components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the directional and omnidirectional lighting functions into a unified structure. The reflector cup serves dual purposes: when oriented one way, it creates a focused beam; when oriented the other way, it creates omnidirectional illumination. This merging eliminates the need for separate diffusers or multiple attachments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a diffuser is attached to a flashlight to diffuse light, then the light can be visible from more directions, but additional components and attachment mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector cup is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component. By changing the orientation of the reflector cup, the same component provides either directional or omnidirectional lighting, eliminating the need for separate diffusers, attachments, or additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of directional lighting, omnidirectional lighting, and the structural support into a single integrated assembly. The reflector cup, light source, and housing work together as one system, removing the need for separate diffuser components and their attachment mechanisms.
3Illumination intensity
If a reflector cup with light source is used for directional illumination, then light intensity in a specific direction is improved, but visibility from other directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector cup is designed to be rotatable or adjustable, allowing the user to dynamically change its orientation. In one position, the reflective surface faces forward to create a focused beam for directional illumination. In another position, the reflective surface faces backward to create omnidirectional illumination, thus adapting to different visibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The same reflector cup structure serves dual lighting purposes through orientation change. When the reflective surface faces forward, it provides directional illumination with high intensity. When rotated to face backward, it provides omnidirectional illumination, making the device versatile for different applications without needing separate components.
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 flexible light projection over 180° with at least half the maximum intensity, enhancing visibility and usability in various applications without the need for additional components, while maintaining light intensity and directionality.
Implementation Method 1
When light incident on a position on the outer surface is redirected by the lens substantially along a path between the position and the sensor
Implementation Method 2
a light source and a lens or other means for focusing or diffusing the light
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an adjustable light emitting device for selectively projecting light directionally and omnidirectionally, the device comprising a stepped surface lens having a focal point and a light source positioned substantially along an optical axis of the lens and adapted for movement along the axis between the focal point and the lens. There is also disclosed a light emitting device comprising a partially collimated light source and a lens. When light emitted by the light source passing through the lens is simultaneously projected in an arc of at least 180° and further wherein a measured intensity of the projected light within the arc is at least one half of a maximum intensity of the emitted light. Both devices may also include a light sensor, or the light sensor may be included together with the lens in a separate package for use in light sensing applications.