Asymmetrical Linear Lens for Directional Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asymmetrical linear lenses fail to efficiently direct light into a limited solid angle with varying exit angles, limiting their application in lighting solutions such as under-construction or interior cabinet lighting where specific illuminance and glare reduction are required.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical linear lens with a one-piece transparent plastic profile, comprising a rectangular trapezoidal and non-rectangular trapezoidal section design, allowing light to exit at angles of up to 35° and 80°-85°, respectively, and featuring profile locking webs for secure installation within a U-shaped profile, enhancing light distribution and reducing glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional symmetrical linear lens is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light distribution is uniform and cannot achieve different exit angles on different sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a linear lens with non-uniform thickness distribution and different exit surface orientations on either side. The lens has a first exit surface on one side and a second exit surface on the other side, with each surface tilted at different angles relative to the incident light. This asymmetric configuration enables different exit angles (up to 35° on one side and 80°-85° on the other side) while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Productivity
If the lens profile width is increased at the output surface to improve light coupling, then light extraction is enhanced, but the lens becomes more complex and harder to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness and width of the lens at different locations along its length. The lens profile is designed with specific geometric parameters that create localized thickness variations to optimize light coupling at the input surface and light extraction at the output surfaces. This localized optimization allows efficient light coupling without requiring a uniformly complex structure throughout the entire lens, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If light is directed into a narrow solid angle to improve illuminance in a specific area, then glare reduction in other areas is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light exit function into two separate exit surfaces located on opposite sides of the lens. Each exit surface is optimized for a different function: one surface directs light at a narrower angle (up to 35°) to provide focused illuminance in the primary desired area, while the other surface directs light at a wider angle (80°-85°) to distribute light to secondary areas and reduce glare. This segmentation of the exit function allows simultaneous optimization of both illuminance concentration and glare reduction, resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and harmful glare effects.
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 significantly increases illuminance by up to 100% in desired areas and reduces glare by up to 85% in undesired areas, making it suitable for applications like kitchen and laboratory lighting.
Implementation Method 1
An asymmetric linear lens (1) in the form of a one-piece solid plastic profile that is transparent to visible light for directing light into a limited solid angle
Implementation Method 2
a first solid profile section (2) in the form of a rectangular trapezoid with a shorter and a longer base side (2a, 2b) and with two side legs (2c, 2d) and with a second solid profile section (3) in the form of a non-rectangular trapezoid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an asymmetrical linear lens (1) in the form of a single-piece, transparent plastic solid profile for directing light at a limited solid angle, the lens comprising a first solid-profile section (2) in the form of a right-angled trapezium having a shorter and a longer base (2a, 2b) and having two legs (2c, 2d), and a second solid-profile section (3) in the form of a non-right-angled trapezium having a shorter and a longer base (3a, 3b) and having two legs (3c, 3d), wherein: the longer base (2b) of the first solid-profile section (2) and the shorter base (3a) of the second solid-profile section (3) coincide with one another; one (2c) of the two legs of the first solid-profile section (2) and one (3c) of the two legs of the second solid-profile section (3) lie on a straight line which, together with the longer base (3b) of the second solid-profile section (2), encloses a first angle (α) in the range between 40° and 50°; and the other leg (3d) of the second solid-profile section (3) is angled outwardly with respect to the other leg (2d) of the first solid-profile section (2) by a second angle (ß) in the range between 25° and 35°.