Asymmetric Reflector Optical Device for Uniform LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices fail to achieve even illumination of a surface when the light source is positioned offset relative to the surface, and they do not effectively mix different colors of light to produce a uniform color, particularly in the case of LEDs used in lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a reflector body featuring a combination of symmetrical and asymmetric reflective elements, positioned orthogonal to each other, which redirects and mixes light from multiple light-emitting elements to create a symmetric and asymmetric beam pattern, ensuring uniform illumination and color mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light source is positioned offset relative to the surface, then the light source can be placed in convenient locations, but the illumination becomes uneven across the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric reflector geometries and asymmetric lens configurations to compensate for the offset light source position. The asymmetric optical elements redirect light rays to create a uniform illumination pattern on the surface, counteracting the non-uniform distribution caused by the offset positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional optical dimensions by combining reflectors and lenses in a multi-dimensional optical path. This allows light to be redirected through multiple reflections and refractions, transforming the illumination pattern from non-uniform to uniform across the target surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LEDs of different colors are used, then color variety is achieved, but uniform color mixing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LEDs of different colors within a single optical housing, using integrated reflectors and lenses to merge their light paths. The optical elements are designed to mix the different color wavelengths uniformly, producing a consistent combined color output across the illuminated surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts optical parameters such as reflector angles, lens curvatures, and LED positioning to optimize color mixing. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves uniform color distribution despite using multiple LEDs with different color characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric reflectors are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but asymmetric illumination patterns cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetric elements into the optical system, including asymmetric reflectors and asymmetric lenses. These asymmetric components are specifically designed to counteract the asymmetric illumination patterns produced by offset LED positioning, transforming non-uniform light distribution into uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the optical system. Local variations in reflector geometry and lens characteristics are implemented to address specific illumination deficiencies in different areas of the illuminated surface, achieving overall uniformity through localized optimizations.
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 optical device achieves even illumination and uniform color by redirecting and mixing light, providing a symmetrical distribution horizontally and an asymmetric distribution vertically, effectively addressing the challenges of offset light source positioning and color mixing.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector body extending between the entrance aperture and exit aperture, the reflector body including a first pair of walls positioned orthogonal to a second pair of walls, said first pair of walls comprising symmetrical reflective elements, and said second pair of walls comprising asymmetric reflective elements; wherein the reflector body is configured to redirect and mix the light generated by the two or more light-emitting elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an optical device configured for the creation of an asymmetric illumination beam pattern while additionally mixing the light created by two or more light-emitting elements. The optical device comprises a reflector body which extends between an entrance aperture and an exit aperture, wherein the two or more light emitting elements are positioned relative to the entrance aperture and light is reflected within the reflector body exiting at the exit aperture. The reflector body includes a first pair of walls including symmetric reflective elements and a second pair of walls orthogonal to the first pair of walls, wherein the second pair of walls includes asymmetric reflective elements. The first pair of walls provides a means for mixing the light generated by the two of more light-emitting elements and generating a symmetric beam pattern about a first axis. Along a second axis, orthogonal to the first axis, the second pair of walls provides a means for mixing the light generated by the two or more light-emitting elements and generating an asymmetric beam pattern.