Asymmetric Optical Lens for Uniform LED Luminance
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light emitting diodes (LEDs) face challenges in achieving uniform luminance distribution and efficient light extraction due to limitations in optical lens design, leading to suboptimal performance in lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
The optical lens design features a concave recess with asymmetrical dimensions and curved surfaces, optimizing light incidence and exit surfaces to enhance luminance distribution and light extraction efficiency by diffusing light more widely in the Y-axis direction and reducing light loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional optical lens design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but luminance distribution is non-uniform and light extraction efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the optical lens with different curvature radii in the first and second axis directions (R1 ≠ R2). This asymmetric configuration enables uniform luminance distribution across the light emitting surface while maintaining efficient light extraction. The asymmetric design specifically addresses the contradiction by introducing controlled complexity in the optical path to achieve uniform illumination, thereby resolving the trade-off between simplicity and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating region-specific optical properties through the asymmetric curvature design. The first and second light exit surfaces have different curvature characteristics tailored to their respective axis directions, allowing each region to optimize light extraction and luminance distribution locally. This localized optimization achieves uniform overall luminance without requiring complex global redesign of the entire lens system.
2Productivity
If conventional optical lens design is used, then device structure is simpler, but light extraction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric lens design with different curvature radii (R1 in first axis direction, R2 in second axis direction) optimizes light extraction efficiency by matching the asymmetric light emission pattern of typical LED structures. This asymmetric configuration redirects more light toward the light emitting surface, improving extraction efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple single-lens structure rather than requiring complex multi-element systems.
3Illumination intensity
If more optical lenses are used to improve luminance distribution, then lighting coverage is better, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric optical lens design performs multiple functions simultaneously: it shapes the light beam, distributes luminance uniformly across the emitting surface, and extracts light efficiently from the LED structure. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single lens element, eliminating the need for multiple separate optical components and thereby reducing both device complexity and the quantity of optical lenses required.
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 design improves luminance distribution and light extraction efficiency, allowing for a reduced number of optical lenses and increased light emission in desired directions, thereby enhancing the performance of LED-based lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical lens, and a light unit including the light emitting module... The optical lens design features a concave recess with asymmetrical dimensions and curved surfaces, optimizing light incidence and exit surfaces to enhance luminance distribution and light extraction efficiency by diffusing light more widely
Implementation Method 2
optimizing light incidence and exit surfaces to enhance luminance distribution and light extraction efficiency by diffusing light more widely in the Y-axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical lens is provided. The optical lens may include a bottom surface, a concave recess provided in a center region of the bottom surface, a first light exit surface having a convexly curved surface on a side opposite to the bottom surface and the recess, and a second light exit surface between the bottom surface and the first light exit surface. A length in a first axis direction on the bottom surface is D1, and a length in a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction is D2, a length in the first axis direction on the bottom of the recess is D3, and a length in the second axis direction on the bottom of the recess is D4, where a length of the bottom surface may have a relationship of D1<D2, and a bottom length of the recess may have a relationship of D3>D4.