Diffuse Light Source Using Torus Diffuser for Wide-Angle Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED-based lighting systems face challenges in delivering adequate usable light due to their directional nature, and existing nonlethal devices for disorientation, such as laser dazzlers, require aiming and proximity, which can be impractical for non-professionals.
Innovation Solution
A diffuse light source combining a light beam source with a solid ring torus or dual side-by-side cylinders of transparent refractive material diffuser element, which projects light radially over a wide angle (at least 75°) for efficient light dispersion and disorientation, eliminating the need for aiming and proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED arrays or fly-eye lens arrays are used to create adequate light dispersion, then light distribution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser element is segmented into multiple discrete optical elements (lens array) arranged in a specific pattern. Each lens element independently disperses light, and collectively they achieve wide-angle illumination without requiring a single complex optical system
Solution Approach 2:
A fly-eye lens array is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the LED source and the target area. This lens array mediates the light propagation, transforming the directional LED output into wide-angle distributed illumination through multiple refraction and reflection events
2Ease of manufacture
If a single simple lens is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adequate light dispersion is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single simple lens, the optical system is segmented into multiple smaller lens elements arranged in an array. This segmentation allows each individual lens to be simple and easy to manufacture, while the collective array achieves the complex light dispersion pattern that a single lens could not provide
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional (single lens) approach to a multi-dimensional array structure. The fly-eye lens array distributes light across multiple spatial dimensions, achieving wide-angle dispersion by utilizing the two-dimensional arrangement of multiple simple lens elements rather than relying on a single complex three-dimensional lens design
3Speed
If laser dazzlers are used to disorient targets, then visual interruption is achieved at significant distances, but the device requires aiming which is impractical for non-professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is segmented and dispersed into multiple directional beams through the fly-eye lens array. This creates a wide-angle illumination pattern that covers a broad area, eliminating the need for precise aiming while maintaining the ability to disorient targets at distance through intense light distribution across multiple angles
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates dynamic light distribution by using the fly-eye lens array to continuously project light in multiple directions simultaneously. This dynamic multi-directional illumination ensures that the disorienting effect is maintained across a wide field of view without requiring the operator to dynamically adjust the aiming direction
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 provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient lighting system with wide light distribution, suitable for both general lighting and visual disorientation, reducing the need for proximity and aiming, and offering prolonged disorientation effects.
Implementation Method 1
a solid diffuser element of transparent refractive material optically coupled to receive a light beam from the beam source such that the received light beam is partially reflected and partially refracted multiple times within the diffuser element
Implementation Method 2
partially reflected and partially refracted multiple times within the diffuser element
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuse light source, for use in energy efficient lighting, as well as for visual disorientation or disruption systems, is configured with a single solid torus (15) or rotating dual cylinder (35a, 35b) diffuser of transparent refracting material into which light (13, 33) from a laser or LED beam source (11, 31) is coupled. Light (19, 39) emerges radially outward in all directions from the diffuser.