Conical Light Guide Structure with Axial-Blocking Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with large or complex light-permeable housing shapes face challenges in achieving uniform light emission using single LED light sources, leading to uneven light distribution and increased production costs when multiple LEDs are used to simulate broad light effects.
Innovation Solution
A light guide structure comprising a conical light guide element with a reflective surface and a partially blocking reflective element, which uses repeated reflection to direct all light from a single LED to a light-permeable region, simulating the effect of multiple LEDs while reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single LED light source is used, then production cost is reduced, but light emission uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the single LED light source and the light-permeable housing portion. This light guide structure includes optical elements that redistribute the concentrated LED light to achieve uniform illumination across the entire light-permeable area, effectively decoupling the cost advantage of single LED usage from the uniformity problem.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple light-emitting elements are used, then light emission uniformity is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure creates an optical distribution pattern that replicates the illumination effect of multiple LEDs using a single light source. By using optical elements within the light guide, the system copies the broad light distribution pattern that would otherwise require multiple physical LEDs, achieving the same visual effect at lower cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If a light guide plate is used, then light emission uniformity is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complete light guide plate throughout the housing, the invention applies optical elements only in specific local regions where light redistribution is needed. The light guide structure includes optical elements positioned strategically to redirect light from the single LED source, providing uniformity only where required rather than using a full light guide plate system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the light-permeable portion has a large or complicated shape, then design flexibility is improved, but light emission uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure is divided into multiple segments or components, including a light guide body and optical elements positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various housing shapes and sizes while maintaining uniform light distribution through coordinated action of the distributed optical elements.
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 enables uniform light emission and expanded light projection range, allowing for varied visual effects in electronic devices without the need for multiple LEDs, thereby enhancing design flexibility and market competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a conical light guide element (21) having an inner surface configured as a reflective surface for reflecting light
Implementation Method 2
a partially blocking reflective element (22) installed at a second end of the conical light guide element (21)
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide structure including a conical hollow light guide element having reflective inner surface, a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED) provided in one end of the conical light guide element, and a reflective element covering an opening on the other end of the conical light guide element and including a light-permeable region and an opaque reflective region corresponding to an optical axis of the light-emitting element, with the light-permeable region is located around the opaque reflective region and outside the optical axis.