Ball Lens Light Condensing for LED Directionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for condensing light from a light source, such as LEDs, face challenges in achieving high light utilization efficiency due to reflection losses and limited refractive effects, particularly when using hemispherical lenses and plano-convex lenses, which restrict the angle of refraction and directionality of light beams.
Innovation Solution
The use of a ball lens configured to condense light, where the light source's emitting surface is positioned closer to the ball lens than its focal position, allowing direct light input into the ball lens without reflection losses, thereby enhancing light utilization efficiency and directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hemispherical lens array is used to adjust light direction, then light direction control is improved, but reflection loss occurs at the LED element wall face
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the primary reflection surface (wall face) from the optical path by allowing light to exit the LED element directly into the hemispherical lens without intermediate reflection, thereby eliminating reflection loss while maintaining direction control through the lens array
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical lens array serves as an intermediary that directly receives light from the LED element and performs both direction control and condensing functions, eliminating the need for a separate reflection surface and reducing energy loss
2Productivity
If a plano-convex lens is used for light condensing, then light condensing is achieved, but the angle of refraction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs hemispherical lenses with curved surfaces on both sides, which provide a larger angle of refraction compared to plano-convex lenses, thereby improving light condensing capability and expanding the range of controllable light directions
3Ease of operation
If stepwise condensing is performed using multiple components, then light direction is adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the light direction control function and light condensing function into a single hemispherical lens array, eliminating the need for separate primary reflection surfaces and multiple adjustment stages, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functionality
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
This configuration significantly improves light condensing performance and utilization efficiency, achieving a half width of ±15 degrees and a light utilization efficiency of 98.153%, compared to traditional methods which achieve 88.442%, while maintaining high light condensing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a ball lens configured to condense light and to output the condensed light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit includes a ball lens and a light source. The ball lens condenses light and outputs the condensed light. The light source has a light emitting surface and the light source outputs light toward the ball lens. The light emitting surface is located closer to the ball lens than a focal position of the ball lens.