Asymmetric Lens Modules for Selectable Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems with semiconductor light-emitting devices and lenses lack interchangeable lens modules for easy reconfiguration and fail to emit a perceived line of light effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising a semiconductor light-emitting device and multiple lens modules, including converging and diverging lenses with frusto-conical and lenticular or microprismatic features, allowing for detachable installation and alignment to control light emission patterns and achieve a perceived line of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens modules are provided for interchangeable installation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting interface that accommodates multiple lens modules with different optical functions (converging, diverging, asymmetric). The lighting module is designed to accept any of these lens modules through a standardized interface, allowing one lighting module to perform multiple lighting functions by simply changing the lens module, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is divided into separable components: a lighting module containing the semiconductor light-emitting device and a detachable lens module. This segmentation allows the lens module to be independently selected and replaced based on the desired light distribution pattern, enabling versatility while keeping each individual component relatively simple
2Illumination intensity
If asymmetric lens modules are used to control light distribution, then illumination intensity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens modules are pre-designed with built-in alignment features and reference marks that guide proper installation orientation. The asymmetric lens elements are pre-positioned within the lens module housing with precise locators, so that when the lens module is installed in the lighting module, the critical alignment between the lens optical axis and the semiconductor light-emitting device is automatically established without requiring high-precision manual adjustment during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The lens module housing serves as an intermediary structure that contains and precisely positions the asymmetric lens elements relative to the semiconductor light-emitting device. This intermediate component absorbs the manufacturing precision requirements, allowing the lens elements themselves to be manufactured with standard tolerances while the housing provides the necessary alignment precision through integrated features
3Productivity
If converging and diverging lenses are combined, then beam width management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (converging and diverging) into single integrated lens modules. Rather than using separate lenses or lens assemblies for each function, each lens module is designed to provide both converging and diverging optical effects through carefully configured asymmetric lens surfaces, thereby achieving effective beam width management while minimizing the number of separate components and reducing overall device 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 flexible reconfiguration and efficient light control, achieving desired light emission patterns with improved luminance distribution and beam width management.
Implementation Method 1
a first converging lens being configured for causing convergence of some of the light emissions of the semiconductor light-emitting device to form converged light emissions along the central light emission axis
Implementation Method 2
a first diverging lens being configured for causing divergence of some of the converged light emissions away from the third lens axis
Implementation Method 3
the first converging lens further having a first total internal reflection side surface being spaced apart around the first lens axis
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting system including: lighting module having semiconductor light-emitting device; first lens module; and asymmetric second lens module. Second lens module includes diverging lens configured for causing divergence of converged light emissions away from lens axis. Second lens module includes: lens body having light output surface spaced apart along light transmission axis from light input surface, lens body having longitudinal axis and lateral axis, the longitudinal and lateral axes being transverse to light transmission axis; light output surface having asymmetric curvilinear contour formed by convex region overlapping in directions along lateral axis with concave region, the asymmetric curvilinear contour uniformly extending in directions along the longitudinal axis.