Cavity Light Modulator Structure for Uniform LED Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED illumination systems face inefficiencies in diffusing focused light, leading to non-uniform illumination due to significant absorption by textured or opaque materials, compromising illumination efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A light modulator with integral walls and cavities that scatter and diffract light within an integral piece of material, enhancing diffusion without additional layers, ensuring uniform and homogeneous illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If textured or opaque material is used to diffuse focused light, then light diffusion is achieved, but illumination efficiency is compromised due to significant absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The light modulator is segmented into multiple functional layers: a transparent or translucent base layer for light transmission, and separate cavity structures for light scattering. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its function optimally without the energy loss associated with opaque textured materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity structures act as intermediary elements between the light source and the output surface. These cavities scatter and redirect light through multiple reflections and refractions, achieving uniform diffusion without requiring the light to pass through absorbing textured or opaque materials.
2Shape
If additional layers with mounting structures are used to enhance diffusion, then diffusion performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity structures are merged directly into the light modulator body as integral features rather than separate components. This integration eliminates the need for additional mounting structures and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the light diffusion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light modulator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the transparent/translucent material provides light transmission and structural support, while the integrated cavities provide light scattering and diffusion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
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 light modulator efficiently diffuses light, providing a substantially uniform and homogeneous optical indicator or light source, improving illumination efficiency and eliminating the need for textured surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Light is scattered at surfaces of the walls and cavities of the integral piece of material
Implementation Method 2
Light is scattered at surfaces of the walls and cavities of the integral piece of material and diffracted within at least the walls of the integral piece of material
Data Source
AI summary
This application is directed to diffusing light using a light modulator. The light modulator has an integral piece of material and a cavity. The integral piece of material includes a first wall and a second wall that is separate from the first wall. The cavity is located between the first wall and the second wall. The light modulator is configured to diffuse light emitted by a light source that is (i) disposed in proximity to the light modulator and (ii) faces the first wall, by scattering the light at surfaces of the first wall, the cavity, and the second wall, and diffracting the light within at least the first wall and the second wall. In some embodiments, an edge structure extends from one or more edges of the first wall to one or more corresponding edges of the second wall.