Compound Parabolic Concentrator Array for Homogeneous High-Intensity Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compound Parabolic Concentrators (CPCs) used in lighting devices face challenges with thermal management and non-homogeneous intensity profiles, particularly when increasing light power, which can be detrimental for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves splitting a single CPC and light source into an array of smaller CPCs and sources, with light converter elements thermally coupled to a heat sink, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and a more homogeneous light distribution. Each light converter element is radiatively coupled with one or more light sources, and the light sources are configured to irradiate the converter elements via the CPCs, enabling high-intensity light with controlled intensity and beam shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single CPC is used with increased light power, then high intensity lighting is achieved, but thermal management becomes problematic and intensity profile becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large CPC into multiple smaller CPCs arranged in an array. Each smaller CPC handles a portion of the total light power, distributing the thermal load across multiple components. This segmentation allows for better heat dissipation while maintaining the required light intensity through the combined output of all CPCs.
2Illumination intensity
If a single CPC is used with increased light power, then high intensity lighting is achieved, but intensity profile becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple smaller CPCs in an array, each producing a relatively homogeneous intensity profile, the combined output achieves overall homogeneity. The segmentation allows each individual CPC to operate within optimal parameters, producing uniform light distribution that, when combined, maintains homogeneity across the entire beam.
3Temperature
If multiple light sources and CPCs are used, then thermal management and intensity homogeneity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual CPC units are merged into a single integrated array structure that functions as one cohesive optical system. The light sources, converter elements, and CPCs are combined in a modular array configuration that achieves simplified integration while maintaining the thermal and optical performance benefits of multiple components.
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 provides efficient thermal management and a relatively homogeneous light distribution while maintaining the etendue of the beam, allowing for compact and high-brightness lighting solutions, such as in digital projectors.
Implementation Method 1
the light converter elements are configured to convert at least part of the light source light into light converter light
Implementation Method 2
the light converter elements and the compound parabolic concentrators are configured to provide (concentrated) light converter light emanating from the first ends of the compound parabolic concentrators
Implementation Method 3
the light converter elements are in thermal contact with a heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a lighting device (1) comprising a plurality of light sources (100) configured to generate light source light (101), a plurality of light converter elements (200), wherein each light converter element (200) is radiationally coupled with one or more light sources (100), wherein the light sources (100) are configured at a non-zero distance from the light converter elements (200), wherein the light converter elements (200) are configured to convert at least part of the light source light into light converter light (201), the lighting device (1) further comprising a plurality of compound parabolic concentrators (300) configured in an array (310), each compound parabolic concentrator (300) having a first end (301) and a second end (302), and having a shape tapering from the first end (301) to the second end (302), wherein the light converter elements (200) are configured at the second ends (302) of the compound parabolic concentrators (300), wherein the light converter elements (200) and the compound parabolic concentrators (300) are configured to provide light converter light (201) emanating from the first ends (301) of the compound parabolic concentrators (300), and wherein the light converter elements (200) are in thermal contact with a heat sink (400).