Curved Trough Reflector for UV LED Array Irradiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The focus and uniformity of irradiance in reflector systems, particularly with elliptical and parabolic reflectors, are compromised when using arrays of LEDs due to reduced packing density and increased non-emitting gaps, leading to decreased irradiance concentration and uniformity at the focal point.
Innovation Solution
A UV array with a high linear fill factor of at least 80% along the focusing direction and 20% in a transverse direction is used, combined with a trough reflector to collimate or focus UV radiation, optimizing the packing density of LEDs to enhance irradiance concentration and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If arrays of LEDs are used in reflector systems, then the system can provide sufficient light output, but the packing density is reduced and non-emitting gaps increase, leading to decreased irradiance concentration and uniformity at the focal point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the linear fill factor of LED arrays to at least 80% along the focusing direction, thereby increasing the emitting surface area ratio and improving irradiance concentration at the focal point while maintaining sufficient light output
2Ease of manufacture
If LED arrays with lower packing density are used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is reduced, but irradiance uniformity and concentration at the focal point deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a linear fill factor parameter of at least 80% along the focusing direction, which optimizes the balance between manufacturing ease and irradiance uniformity by ensuring sufficient emitting surface area while allowing practical LED array assembly
3Illumination intensity
If traditional elliptical or parabolic reflectors are used with point or linear sources, then focused or collimated irradiance is achieved, but the system is sensitive to source displacement which defocuses the image or reduces uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional point or linear source into an array of multiple LED elements with high linear fill factor, which distributes the light emission across multiple points. This segmentation makes the system more tolerant to individual element displacement while maintaining overall focused irradiance quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple LED elements into a unified array structure with optimized linear fill factor, merging their individual contributions to achieve robust focused irradiance that is less sensitive to displacement than traditional single-source systems
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 significantly improves irradiance concentration and uniformity at the focal point, achieving higher irradiance and maintaining optical efficiency with reduced light pollution and glare, suitable for applications like UV curing and lighting.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector may be a trough reflector and may collimate or focus the UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method for irradiating a surface utilizing a plurality of LEDs in a pattern such that a linear fill factor characterizing such pattern is at least 80% along a focusing direction and/or at least 20% along a direction transverse to said focusing direction, the radiation emitted from the LEDs and reflected onto the surface from a trough reflector.