Asymmetrical Optical System for LED Floodlights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional floodlights, especially those used in emergency vehicles, suffer from high energy consumption and short lifespan, and existing optical systems are inefficient in redirecting light from LED sources into desired illumination patterns due to symmetrical arrangements and optical element losses.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical optical system is employed, using optical elements only where necessary to redirect light from LEDs, with reflecting surfaces and lenses positioned asymmetrically to redirect wide-angle light into a convergent pattern, minimizing losses and optimizing illumination coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If symmetrical optical systems with multiple optical elements are used to redirect light from LED lamps, then the desired illumination pattern can be achieved, but optical energy is lost through scatter and absorption at each lens surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetrical optical systems where optical elements are positioned and configured asymmetrically relative to the LED light source. This asymmetry allows light to be redirected into the desired illumination pattern while minimizing the number of optical surfaces light must pass through, thereby reducing scatter and absorption losses at each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or removes unnecessary optical elements from the light path. By carefully analyzing which optical redirections are essential and which are redundant, the design eliminates superfluous lenses and reflectors, allowing light to travel more directly from the LED to the target area with fewer opportunities for energy loss.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple LED lamps are combined to obtain necessary optical energy, then sufficient illumination can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LED lamps into a single asymmetrical optical system where the optical elements are designed to collect and redirect light from multiple sources simultaneously. This consolidation achieves the necessary optical energy output while maintaining a unified, integrated structure rather than requiring separate optical systems for each LED.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetrical optical elements are designed to perform multiple functions: they redirect light from multiple LED sources, shape the illumination pattern, and minimize energy loss all within a single integrated component structure, rather than requiring separate specialized elements for each function.
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 asymmetrical optical system efficiently redirects light into a desired illumination pattern with reduced energy loss, providing uniform brightness over a large area without the need for dramatic downward aiming, thus enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of LED-based floodlights.
Implementation Method 1
Light emitting diode (LED) light sources are now commercially available with sufficient intensity of white light to make them practical as an alternative light source for flood and area lighting
Implementation Method 2
The light emission pattern of an LED is typically measured and described with respect to an optical axis projecting from the die of the LED and perpendicular to the plane including the die. A hemispherical (lambertian) pattern of light emission can be described as having an angular distribution of two pi steradians
Implementation Method 3
Optical elements include components capable of interacting with optical energy and can include devices such as, but not limited to, filters, reflectors, refractors, lenses, etc.
Implementation Method 4
Optical elements include components capable of interacting with optical energy and can include devices such as, but not limited to, filters, reflectors, refractors, lenses, etc.
Implementation Method 5
Light being manipulated by optical elements typically experiences some form of loss from scatter, absorption, or reflection
Implementation Method 6
Light being manipulated by optical elements typically experiences some form of loss from scatter, absorption, or reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly.