Concentric Annular Light Pipe for Adjustable Illumination
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light pipes do not offer a simple method to adjust the size of the light-emitting surface, which limits their adaptability and uniformity in illumination applications.
Innovation Solution
A light pipe design featuring a columnar light-guide portion and one or two annular light-guide portions protruding from the emission end, allowing for adjustable light diffusion and emission surface size through controlled light path lengths and reflection, integrated with LEDs of varying color temperatures for enhanced color mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional light pipe with simple lateral surfaces is used, then the structure is simple, but the light-emitting surface size cannot be adjusted and illumination uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe is divided into multiple light-guide portions (first, second, third, and fourth light-guide portions) with different functions. Each portion has specific protrusion heights and lateral surface configurations that control light reflection and emission independently, enabling adjustable light-emitting surface size while maintaining overall structural integration
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light pipe have different optical properties and geometries. The first light-guide portion has a first lateral surface with specific reflection characteristics, while the second light-guide portion has a second lateral surface with different characteristics. This local differentiation allows each region to contribute differently to light distribution, achieving uniform illumination and adjustable emission surface size
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple light-guide portions with different protrusion heights are used, then illumination uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-guide portions with different protrusion heights and optical functions are merged into a single integrated light pipe structure. The first, second, third, and fourth light-guide portions are formed as one piece, combining multiple light guiding and reflection functions in a single manufacturing process, thereby improving illumination uniformity without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity
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
Enables adjustable light-emitting surface size and uniform illumination with reduced color and illuminance unevenness, improving adaptability and performance in illumination devices without complex structural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
incident light from point sources is reflected by lateral surfaces a plurality of times to provide a uniform light-emitting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light pipe includes an emission end portion with a light exit surface and a back surface opposite the light exit surface; a columnar light-guide portion protruding from the back surface; and at least one annular light-guide portion protruding from the back surface and concentrically surrounding the columnar light-guide portion; and a gap separating the annular light-guide portion and the columnar light-guide portion. An illumination device includes a light source unit having an annular array of light emitting diodes; a reflector; and the light pipe positioned between the light source unit and the reflector.