Concentric Interrupted Reflector for Compact LED Beam Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical configurations for LED lights in vehicles face challenges in providing focused beams of desired intensity due to size limitations, particularly in emergency vehicles where compact and aerodynamic designs are necessary, often resulting in suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a reflector with two concentric reflecting surfaces, including an inner parabolic surface and an outer parabolic surface, along with lateral tabs and a collimating lens, to redirect LED light emissions into specific illumination patterns, allowing for both wide-angle and narrow-angle light control within defined trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional optical configurations are used, then mounting space requirements are reduced, but light focus and intensity control become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is segmented into multiple concentric reflecting surfaces (first reflecting surface, second reflecting surface, third reflecting surface) with different geometric configurations. Each surface segment handles specific light redirection tasks, enabling compact packaging while maintaining precise light control capabilities through distributed optical functions across multiple surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-surface or two-surface reflectors to a multi-concentric-surface configuration, adding dimensional complexity to the optical path. This allows light to undergo multiple reflections at different angular ranges (first angular range, second angular range, third angular range), achieving superior light focusing and distribution in a compact volume by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement of reflecting surfaces.
2Volume of moving object
If smaller light configurations are used, then mounting space is reduced, but focused beam performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each concentric reflecting surface is designed with specific local geometric properties optimized for its function: the first reflecting surface handles wide-angle light redirection, the second surface provides intermediate angular control, and the third surface focuses narrow-angle beams. This local optimization of surface geometry at different radial positions enables precise focused beam control within a compact overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-concentric reflector configuration provides dynamic light control capabilities by capturing and redirecting light across multiple angular ranges through different surface segments. This creates a more flexible and responsive optical system that can adaptively control beam formation and light distribution patterns, improving ease of operation for focused beam applications despite the compact size.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical rotating surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but optical performance in compact designs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple concentric surface segments that can be manufactured using standardized rotational forming processes. Each segment maintains rotational symmetry for ease of manufacturing while the collective arrangement of segments achieves the complex optical performance required for compact, high-performance lighting applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric reflecting surfaces are nested within each other in a compact arrangement, with each surface positioned at a different radial distance from the optical axis. This nested configuration maximizes the optical path length and light manipulation capability within a compact volume, achieving superior optical performance without requiring large asymmetric structures that would be difficult to manufacture.
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 enables the creation of focused beams of light with desired intensity and pattern, even in compact designs, effectively addressing the limitations of prior art optical configurations by optimizing light distribution and mounting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Reflector with two concentric reflecting surfaces, including an inner parabolic surface and an outer parabolic surface, along with lateral tabs and a collimating lens, to redirect LED light emissions into specific illumination patterns
Implementation Method 2
collimating lens, to redirect LED light emissions into specific illumination patterns, allowing for both wide-angle and narrow-angle light control
Data Source
AI summary
A compact optical assembly includes a linear array of LEDs and a plurality of reflectors. The reflectors include two concentric reflecting surfaces that surround the LED light sources. The inner reflecting surface reflects the majority of the light emitted from the LED light source and the outer reflecting surface reflects light emitted through longitudinal channels in the inner reflecting surface. The concentric reflecting surfaces cooperate to create a wide-angle beam of light with a desired dispersion pattern.