Asymmetrical Optical System for Floodlight LED Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floodlights, particularly those used in emergency response vehicles, suffer from high energy consumption and short lifespan, and traditional optical systems are inefficient in redirecting light from LED sources to achieve desired illumination patterns, often requiring multiple LEDs and experiencing significant optical energy loss through scatter, absorption, or reflection.
Innovation Solution
The asymmetrical optical system employs non-symmetrical optical elements, such as parabolic reflecting surfaces and lenses, to redirect light from LEDs into a desired illumination pattern, minimizing unnecessary redirection and optimizing light distribution to achieve uniform brightness over a large area, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending LED lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional symmetrical optical systems are used to redirect light from LED lamps, then the illumination pattern can be achieved, but significant optical energy is lost through scatter, absorption, or reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the reflector and lens elements with non-symmetrical geometries that are specifically designed to match the directional emission characteristics of LED lamps. The reflector has an asymmetrical cross-section with different curvature radii on opposite sides, and the lens elements are positioned and shaped to work in conjunction with this asymmetry, thereby minimizing unnecessary light redirection and reducing optical energy loss through scatter and reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing different regions of the optical system for their specific functions. The reflector has varying curvature radii in different regions, with the first and second cross-sections having different asymmetry characteristics. The lens elements are positioned at specific locations and have varying optical properties across their surfaces, allowing each region to efficiently handle the light paths that pass through it, thereby minimizing local optical losses.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LED lamps are combined to achieve sufficient optical energy, then the desired illumination intensity can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple optical elements (reflector, multiple lens elements, and light guides) into a unified asymmetrical optical system that works together to distribute light from LED lamps. The optical elements are combined in a compact arrangement where the reflector redirects light from multiple LEDs, and the lens elements and light guides work together to shape and distribute the light uniformly across the illumination area, achieving sufficient optical energy with a coordinated system rather than simply adding more separate LED lamps.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical optical elements are used to redirect light, then manufacturing is simplified, but the light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing optical elements with non-symmetrical geometries that are specifically tailored to achieve uniform light distribution. The reflector has an asymmetrical cross-section with different curvature radii on opposite sides, and the lens elements are positioned and shaped to compensate for the directional emission characteristics of LEDs. This asymmetrical design allows for precise control of light paths and uniform illumination patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the curvature radii of the reflector in different regions. The first and second cross-sections of the reflector have different asymmetry characteristics, with specific curvature radii optimized for their respective light redirection tasks. This variation in geometric parameters allows the optical system to achieve uniform light distribution across the illumination area while maintaining manufacturability through controlled variations in curvature.
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 from LEDs into a desired pattern, reducing energy consumption and extending LED lifespan by minimizing optical losses and optimizing light distribution, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective illumination solution for flood and area lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
optical elements include components capable of interacting with optical energy and can include devices such as, but not limited to, filters, reflectors, refractors, lenses
Implementation Method 2
optical elements include components capable of interacting with optical energy and can include devices such as, but not limited to, filters, reflectors, refractors, lenses
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.