Augmented Lens Light Refocusing Elements Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems using LED arrays often suffer from non-uniform illumination due to the point source emissivity of LEDs, leading to poorer light distribution and intensity variations across the illuminated area, especially when used in linear configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of luminaire lighting units with improved light dispersing lens systems featuring one or more light refocusing elements on the lens surfaces, such as convex, concave, or scattering elements, which modify the illumination wavefront to achieve a more uniform and controlled light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED arrays are used as light sources, then power consumption is reduced and light output increases, but illumination uniformity deteriorates due to point source emissivity
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple zones with different optical properties. Each zone has specific refocusing elements designed to redirect light from the LED point source to specific areas, creating a segmented approach to light distribution that achieves uniform illumination across the entire illuminated area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are given different local optical characteristics. The lens incorporates varying curvatures, refocusing element densities, and optical properties in different zones to compensate for the non-uniform light emission from the LED, ensuring each area contributes to overall illumination uniformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional diffuser lenses are used with LED arrays, then light dispersion is achieved, but illumination uniformity remains poor due to point source characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser lens is segmented into multiple functional zones, each containing specifically designed refocusing elements. This segmentation allows the lens to perform both light dispersion and uniformity correction functions simultaneously, rather than relying on a simple conventional diffuser design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens combines multiple optical elements and materials with different properties, including refocusing elements, diffusing layers, and potentially different refractive index materials, to create a composite optical system that achieves both dispersion and uniformity.
3Illumination intensity
If LED arrays are spaced closer to improve uniformity, then light distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the uniformity correction function from the LED array configuration itself and transfers it to the lens design. Instead of relying on complex array spacing and positioning, the uniformity is achieved through the optical design of the lens, simplifying the overall system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens acts as an intermediary optical element that mediates between the LED point source and the illuminated area. It performs the function of redistributing light to achieve uniformity, eliminating the need for complex LED array configurations.
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 use of light refocusing elements in the lens systems enhances the uniformity of illumination across the illuminated area, reducing intensity variations and improving the overall lighting performance by redirecting, refocusing, or scattering light to achieve a more even distribution.
Implementation Method 1
lenses having associated light refocusing elements associated with either a first or second side or both sides of the lens surface
Implementation Method 2
in the form of either generally convex (negative) or concave (positive) refocusing elements
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented lens assembly for use with a light source featuring a main lens component having one or a plurality of light refocusing elements associated with the main lens and arranged along at least one surface of the main lens of the lens assembly that provides for improved uniformity in light distribution and improved illumination. Luminaires featuring one or a plurality of augmented lens assemblies, associated light sources and optionally, baffles, further featuring one or more main lens components having one or more light refocusing elements associated with the main lens portion and arranged along at least one surface of the main lens to provide for improved uniformity in light distribution, improved illumination and aesthetic improvements to the visual appearance of the luminaires when observed in either a lighted or non-lighted condition.