Compact Light Source Assembly for Screen Printing Stencils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source arrangements for screen printing stencils require complex optical systems or large space for generating a light beam bundle, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A compact light source arrangement comprising multiple similar light sources, a mirror unit with flat mirrors forming a step-shaped arrangement, and an optical diffuser to scatter light, reducing power loss and space requirements while eliminating the need for complex optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source with expanded light beam is used, then the light beam bundle can be generated, but complicated optical systems with large number of lenses are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light source into multiple individual light sources (at least three) arranged in a specific geometric pattern. Each light source contributes to forming the light beam bundle, eliminating the need for complex optical expansion systems. The segmented approach distributes the light generation function across multiple simple sources rather than using one complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the light generation and beam formation functions into a single integrated arrangement of multiple light sources. By positioning the light sources at specific locations (e.g., vertices of an equilateral triangle) and using reflective surfaces, the system merges what would traditionally require separate light sources and optical expansion components into one compact unit.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple light guides are combined to create larger cross section light beam bundle, then the light beam can be generated, but large amount of space is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of combining multiple light guides laterally (in the plane), the invention arranges multiple light sources in a specific geometric configuration in three-dimensional space. The light sources are positioned at vertices of geometric shapes (e.g., equilateral triangle, square) and their emissions are combined through reflective surfaces, utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to achieve compact beam formation without requiring large lateral space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests the light sources and reflective surfaces within a compact volumetric arrangement. The multiple light sources are positioned within a confined space, with reflective surfaces nested around them to redirect and combine the light emissions. This creates a compact, space-efficient configuration where the optical components are tightly integrated rather than spread out.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and space-efficient light source arrangement that generates a uniform light beam bundle, reducing power loss and enabling the production of screen printing stencils with minimal space and equipment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least partially enter the volume of the at least one optical diffuser, in the volume of the at least one optical diffuser are at least partially scattered, and at least partially emerge from the at least one optical diffuser as a light beam
Implementation Method 2
the light rays emitted by the plurality of light sources are at least partially reflected by the at least two flat mirrors onto at least one entrance surface of the at least one optical diffuser
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a light source arrangement. The object of providing a compact and cost-effective light source arrangement for generating a beam of light is achieved by the light source arrangement (100) comprising at least one light source unit (110), at least one mirror unit (120), and at least one optical diffuser (130), wherein the at least one light source unit (110) comprises a plurality of identical light sources (111), each exhibiting a maximum of emitted luminous intensity along a specific direction and arranged such that the directions of maximum luminous intensity of the respective light sources (111) are substantially parallel to one another, and wherein the at least one mirror unit (120) comprises at least two plane mirrors (121) arranged substantially parallel to one another and offset from one another, such that the at least two plane mirrors (121) form a stepped arrangement.wherein the light rays emitted by the plurality of light sources (111) are at least partially reflected by the at least two plane mirrors (121) onto at least one entrance surface (131) of the at least one optical diffuser (130), at which at least one entrance surface (131) of the at least one optical diffuser (130) enters at least partially into the volume (132) of the at least one optical diffuser (130), in which the light is at least partially scattered, and at at least partially exit the at least one optical diffuser (130) as a beam of light rays (161) at at least one exit surface (133) of the at least one optical diffuser (130).