Adjustable Reflector for Vehicle LED Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting devices, particularly for aircraft, are inefficient due to the lack of directionality in incandescent bulbs and limited adaptability of existing LED solutions, leading to suboptimal light emission and absorption within housing structures.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device featuring a light-emitting semiconductor device with a central axis and a rotatable reflector that adjusts the direction of maximum light intensity, ensuring the combined light distribution is angled and directed towards the opening of the housing, enhancing light extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If incandescent bulbs are used in vehicle lighting devices, then the lighting devices can provide illumination, but the power efficiency and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from incandescent bulb technology to LED technology, fundamentally changing the light generation mechanism from thermal radiation to electroluminescence. This parameter change in the light source technology enables significantly higher power efficiency and improved reliability while maintaining illumination functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system of incandescent bulbs with a semiconductor-based electronic system. The LED light-emitting device uses electrical current to generate light directly through electroluminescence, eliminating the need for filament heating and reducing energy loss, thereby improving both power efficiency and reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If LED-based lighting solutions are used, then power efficiency is improved, but the light distribution directionality and adaptability to different housing configurations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable reflector that can be positioned at different angles relative to the LED light source. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the lighting device to adapt to various housing configurations and direct light distribution according to specific application requirements, thereby improving versatility while maintaining the power efficiency benefits of LED technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the LED light source from the reflector assembly, allowing independent positioning and adjustment of each component. This segmentation enables flexible configuration where the reflector can be optimized for different housing types while the LED source remains fixed, enhancing adaptability without compromising the inherent power efficiency of LED technology
3Device complexity
If the reflector position is fixed relative to the light-emitting semiconductor device, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to direct maximum light intensity toward the housing opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable reflector mechanism that can be positioned at multiple angles relative to the LED light source. This dynamic positioning capability enables optimization of light extraction efficiency by directing maximum light intensity toward the housing opening, while the adjustability is designed to maintain reasonable structural simplicity through standardized mounting configurations
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
The solution improves the ratio of light produced to light emitted through the opening, increasing efficiency and adaptability across different housing configurations, thereby optimizing light emission.
Implementation Method 1
A light distribution of light emitted by the light-emitting semiconductor device is substantially symmetric about the central axis and a maximum light intensity direction of the emitted light is substantially parallel to and coincident with the central axis
Implementation Method 2
a reflector for reflecting at least a portion of the emitted light. The reflector is positioned relative to the light-emitting semiconductor device such that a combined light distribution of the emitted light and reflected light is not symmetric about the central axis
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device for a vehicle. The lighting device includes an LED having a central axis. light distribution of light emitted by the LED is substantially symmetric about the central axis. The lighting device also includes a reflector for reflecting at least a portion of the emitted light. The reflector is positioned relative to the LED such that a combined light distribution of the emitted light and reflected light is not symmetric about the central axis and a maximum light intensity direction of the combined light distribution of the emitted light and the reflected light is angled with respect to the central axis. The position of the reflector relative to the light-emitting semiconductor device is adjustable such that an adjustment to the position of the reflector changes a direction of the maximum light intensity direction of the combined light distribution.