Asymmetric Light Source Array for Homogeneous Spot Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spot illumination systems, including those with colored LEDs, face challenges in achieving homogeneous light emission, with prior art providing only limited improvements in light uniformity and color consistency.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of the light-source array within a tubular reflector is optimized such that at least half of the secondary mirror images exhibit a different configuration than the physical light-source array, achieved through rotational and scaling variations, along with a non-parallel and polygonal reflective surface design, which increases the number of light directions and reduces preferred emission directions, thereby enhancing light homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional light-source array configuration is used in a tubular reflector, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light emission homogeneity is poor with preferred directions appearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the light-source array such that secondary mirror images exhibit different configurations from the physical light-source array. Specifically, the light sources are positioned asymmetrically within the tubular reflector, and the reflective surfaces are arranged at non-parallel angles, creating asymmetric optical paths that eliminate preferred emission directions and improve light homogeneity throughout the illuminated space.
2Illumination intensity
If the light-source array is configured to reduce overlapping mirror images, then light homogeneity improves, but the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the positions, orientations, and spacing of light sources within the array to optimize the reduction of overlapping mirror images. The reflective surfaces are configured with specific angular relationships and the light sources are positioned at calculated coordinates that minimize image overlap while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, thus improving light uniformity without excessive complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple reflective surfaces with non-parallel arrangements are used, then the number of light directions increases improving homogeneity, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular reflector is segmented into multiple discrete reflective surfaces arranged at specific non-parallel angles. This segmentation allows each surface to be independently manufactured and positioned, facilitating the creation of complex optical paths that increase light direction diversity and improve spatial uniformity, while maintaining ease of assembly and manufacturing through modular construction.
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
This configuration significantly improves the spatial uniformity and color consistency of the emitted light, achieving up to 100% different secondary mirror image configurations for optimal homogeneity, with additional improvements from a sufficient light-source area ratio and the inclusion of multiple color sets and diffusing optical members.
Implementation Method 1
multiple reflections in the reflective surfaces of the tubular reflector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
An illumination system (1;30;40;60;70;90) for spot illumination comprising :a tubular reflector (3;31;61;91) with a reflective inner surface, the tubular reflector having an entrance aperture(9), and an exit aperture(10) being larger than the entrance aperture; and a light-source array (2;33;41;63;71;93) comprising a plurality of light-sources arranged in a physical light-source configuration to emit light into the tubular reflector at the entrance aperture thereof. The tubular reflector (3;31;61;91) comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces (14a-g) each being arranged to provide a primary mirror image of the light-source array, the primary mirror image having a primary mirror image light- source configuration; and the light-source array (2;33;41;63;71;93) is configured in such a way that, for each of the primary mirror image, at least half of all secondary mirror images of the light-source array resulting from reflection of the primary mirror image by the reflective surfaces (14a-g) exhibit secondary mirror image light-source configurations that are different from the physical light-source configuration.