Compact Lens with Annular Reflectors for Narrow Beam Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state lighting devices face challenges in achieving highly directional light output in compact forms due to the inverse correlation between beam angle and size of optical elements, making it difficult to control light shape in a cost-effective manner, especially for small beam angles like 25° or 15°, where large optical elements are required, which is not feasible in small lighting devices.
Innovation Solution
A lens design featuring a central refractive lens portion and two annular reflective elements, where the outer annular reflective element supports the lens and collimates light, allowing for compact integration in lighting devices, with a convex surface for focused light and faceted rings for color mixing, and a textured or microlens array exit surface for improved color uniformity, enabling efficient collimation and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large size beam shaping elements are used to achieve small beam angles, then beam angle control is improved, but device size increases making it unsuitable for compact lighting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines refractive and reflective optical functions into a single integrated lens structure. The lens includes a central refractive portion surrounded by an annular reflective portion, allowing both beam shaping and light collection functions to be performed by one compact element rather than requiring separate large optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from using large planar optical elements to a three-dimensional lens structure with varying depths. The lens features a central portion extending to a first depth and an annular reflective portion extending to a second depth, utilizing vertical dimensionality to achieve compact beam control without increasing lateral footprint.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple SSL elements are included to achieve required luminous output, then luminous output is improved, but appearance and compactness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lens integrates multiple functional zones (central refractive region and annular reflective region) into a single optical element that can work with multiple SSL elements arranged in a compact configuration, allowing high luminous output from multiple elements without requiring large spacing between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the central refractive portion shapes light from the center of the SSL array, while the annular reflective portion collects and redirects light from the periphery, enabling compact multi-element SSL arrays to achieve high output without compromising appearance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional incandescent light bulbs are replaced with SSL devices, then energy efficiency is improved, but beam angle control capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical beam control systems (such as large movable mirrors or prisms) with a statically integrated optical lens structure that combines refractive and reflective surfaces, achieving precise beam angle control through geometric optics rather than mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 lens achieves a high degree of collimation and color uniformity, allowing for the creation of narrow beam angles (less than 20°) with high luminous flux, suitable for compact lighting devices, enhancing market penetration by providing aesthetically pleasing and efficient directional lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a central lens portion opposite said light exit surface
Implementation Method 2
an inner annular reflective element opposite said light exit surface and extending away from said light exit surface by a first distance
Implementation Method 3
a side surface defined by an outer annular reflective element opposite said light exit surface and extending away from said light exit surface by a second distance that is larger than the first distance such that the outer annular reflective element extends beyond the inner annular reflective element
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a lens (100) for a lighting device (10) comprising a solid state lighting element (20), the lens comprising a light exit surface (110); a central lens portion (120) opposite said light exit surface; an inner annular reflective element (130) opposite said light exit surface and extending away from said light exit surface by a first distance (d1), said inner annular reflective element delimiting said central lens portion; and a side surface defined by an outer annular reflective element (140) opposite said light exit surface and extending away from said light exit surface by a second distance (d2) that is larger than the first distance such that the outer annular reflective element extends beyond the inner annular reflective element. A lighting device such as a light bulb including such as lens is also disclosed.