Concentric Multiple Light Sources for Compact Focal Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
User-wearable lighting devices are limited by their compact and lightweight design, which restricts the number of light-emitting elements, resulting in insufficient overall light intensity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting sources arranged concentrically or skewed relative to a central optical axis, with a light director that redirects light to a focal point, allowing for individual control and concurrent or sequential emission of light in various wavelength bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the number of light-emitting elements is increased to improve light intensity, then the overall light output increases, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light-emitting elements (first and second light-emitting elements) into a single integrated lighting device housing, allowing them to function as a unified system. This merging approach enables the device to achieve higher light intensity through multiple elements while maintaining a compact form factor that would be impossible with separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions light-emitting elements in nested or closely integrated configurations within the housing, with elements arranged to share common structural support and optical pathways. This nesting strategy maximizes the number of light-emitting elements within the constrained device volume, increasing light intensity without proportionally increasing device size.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are added to increase light emission distribution, then the light coverage improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the lighting device with multiple light-emitting elements that can operate independently or in combination, providing multiple functions including enhanced illumination distribution, color mixing capabilities, and flexible lighting modes. This multi-functionality allows the increased complexity of multiple elements to be justified by the diverse operational capabilities they enable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the lighting function into separate controllable segments (first light-emitting element and second light-emitting element), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows for simplified control of individual elements while achieving complex lighting effects when combined, effectively managing device complexity through modular functionality.
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
Enhances light emission distribution and intensity by directing light from multiple sources to a desired focal point, providing greater light output and flexibility in light output control.
Implementation Method 1
the light sources may generate an ultra-violet light (non-visible wavelength range), a visible light (e.g., white, red, green, blue, etc.) or an Infra-red (IR) (non-visible wavelength)
Implementation Method 2
a lens system that receives the light and focuses the light onto a desired point or plane
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly including a plurality of lighting sources or modules arranged concentrically about an inner circumference of the lighting device, wherein the plurality of lighting sources or modules emit light in at least one of a plurality of wavelength ranges (UV, visible (e.g., blue, green, yellow, orange, red, white, etc.), IR) onto a lighting director device that redirects the emitted light toward a lens system, the lens system focusing the light onto a viewing point. Further disclosed is a passthrough within the lighting director device that allows light positioned on a base of the lighting device to pass through the lighting director.