Dual Light Bending Devices for Uniform LED Color
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED lighting systems for automotive applications face challenges with color shifts and intensity non-uniformity when using light pipes and rings, leading to regulatory issues, increased costs, and reduced LED life due to poor thermal management and styling limitations.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising a light source and two light bending devices, where the first device directs light rays in a radially outward pattern and the second device further refines the lighting pattern to achieve uniform color and intensity, while providing design flexibility and unique styling features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light travels along the extension section of optical elements, then the LED can be placed in close proximity to the optical elements, but light loss and unwanted color shifts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic extension section from the optical element design. By eliminating the extension section and placing the LED directly adjacent to the input end of the optical element without requiring a connecting extension, the patent removes the source of light loss and color shift while maintaining the desired proximity arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the LED at the optimal location adjacent to the optical element input end before light transmission begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that light is introduced directly into the optical element without traveling through extension sections, thereby preventing light loss and color shift from the outset.
2Reliability
If multiple LEDs are used and arranged to resolve color/intensity non-uniformity, then color uniformity improves, but cost and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing an optical element with specific refractive index and geometric characteristics. This single parameter change enables a single LED to achieve uniform color and intensity distribution without requiring multiple LEDs, thereby simplifying packaging while maintaining color uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical element as an intermediary between the LED and the final lighting output. This intermediary component performs the function of uniformizing color and intensity that would otherwise require multiple LEDs, thereby reducing device complexity and packaging difficulty while maintaining color uniformity.
3Ease of operation
If teeth are cut on the back side of the light pipe to direct light, then light directionality improves, but styling features are limited due to visible teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tooth structure with an optical solution. Instead of using physical teeth to direct light, the patent employs the refractive properties of the optical element itself to control light direction. This substitution eliminates the visible mechanical features while maintaining effective light directionality, thereby preserving styling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from mechanical light direction (teeth) to optical light direction (refractive index and geometry). By utilizing the optical parameters of the material and shape rather than mechanical protrusions, the patent achieves light directionality without compromising the aesthetic appearance and styling features of the light pipe.
4Device complexity
If LED operates without effective thermal management, then device simplicity is maintained, but LED life decreases and premature failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested thermal management structure where the heatsink is integrated within or adjacent to the LED package. This nested arrangement provides effective thermal management while maintaining overall device simplicity, as the thermal management function is embedded within the existing structure rather than adding separate external 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
The system minimizes non-uniform color and intensity issues, enhances design flexibility, and offers unique styling options while maintaining effective thermal management, resulting in a consistent and aesthetically pleasing lighting pattern.
Implementation Method 1
a first light bending device disposed adjacent the light source, wherein the first light bending device is adapted to receive a substantial portion of light rays emitted from the light source and direct the light rays in a substantially radially outward lighting pattern
Implementation Method 2
a second light bending device surrounding at least a portion of the first light bending device, wherein the second light bending device is adapted to receive the directed light rays from the first light bending device and direct the light rays in a second desired lighting pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system and a method for providing a lighting pattern are disclosed, wherein the lighting system and method minimize non-uniform color and intensity in the lighting pattern, offers unique styling features, and provides design flexibility for the LED package and associated heatsinking devices. The lighting system including a light source, a first light bending device disposed adjacent the light source and adapted to receive light rays emitted from the light source and direct the light rays in a first desired lighting pattern, and a second light bending device disposed around the first light bending device, wherein the optical device is adapted to receive the directed light rays from the first light bending device and direct the light rays in a second desired lighting pattern.