Elliptical Reflector Light Source Module for Photocuring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current photocuring devices face high energy consumption and unsatisfactory curing speed and results due to increased total illuminance for photocuring processes.
Innovation Solution
A light source module design featuring a transparent cover, a reflector with an elliptical curved surface, and a light emitting unit, where the perpendicular working distance, semi-minor axis, and semi-major axis are optimized to concentrate irradiance on the object, using Lambertian light emitting diodes arranged in an array to enhance light convergence efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If total illuminance is increased for photocuring, then curing speed and curing results improve, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating light energy specifically at the curing position through the elliptical reflector design. The reflector focuses light from multiple LED sources onto a specific focal point where the workpiece is located, creating high local irradiance only where needed rather than uniformly increasing illuminance across the entire working area. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high curing speed at the focal point without proportionally increasing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar light source arrangement to a three-dimensional optical system using an elliptical reflector. The elliptical geometry creates a spatial configuration where light sources at one focus converge at another focus, adding a dimensional aspect to light concentration. This spatial optimization allows efficient energy utilization by directing light paths through three-dimensional geometry rather than simple planar expansion, thereby improving curing speed without linearly increasing energy consumption.
2Reliability
If total illuminance is increased for photocuring, then curing results improve, but the system becomes less energy efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elliptical reflector creates localized high-intensity irradiance at the focal point where the workpiece is positioned. This ensures reliable curing results by concentrating sufficient light energy density at the critical curing location while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in non-curing areas. The local quality principle resolves the contradiction between achieving reliable curing results and maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The elliptical reflector structure automatically directs and concentrates light from multiple LED sources onto the focal point without requiring external control mechanisms. The geometric configuration itself performs the light concentration function, making the system self-regulating in terms of energy distribution. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent curing results while minimizing energy waste through inherent optical geometry rather than active control.
3Device complexity
If conventional light sources are used, then the system is simple in structure, but irradiance cannot be concentrated effectively on the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elliptical (curved) reflector instead of flat or simple geometric structures. The elliptical curvature is specifically designed to focus light from one focus to another focus, creating effective irradiance concentration. This curved geometric solution achieves superior light concentration compared to conventional simple structures while maintaining relatively straightforward manufacturing. The curvature principle resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and irradiance concentration capability.
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 design effectively controls and concentrates irradiance onto the object, improving curing performance and efficiency, particularly suitable for short working distances, by optimizing the dimensions of the reflector and light emitting diodes to achieve better light convergence and irradiance distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the reflector has an elliptical curved surface, and the light emitting unit is located at a first focus of the elliptical curved surface
Implementation Method 2
the light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, the light emitting diodes being arranged in an array
Implementation Method 3
The main principle of photocuring is to irradiate a material (e.g., a photopolymer) formed of a photocurable substance with high intensity UV light so as to induce a polymerization reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module is adapted to perform a light irradiation process on an object. The light source module includes a transparent cover, a reflector and a light emitting unit. The reflector covers the transparent cover, and the reflector and the transparent cover define a containing space. The light emitting unit is disposed inside the containing space. A perpendicular working distance from the transparent cover to the object is WD, a semi-minor axis of the reflector is A, and a semi-major axis of the reflector is B, wherein WD=2 A-3 to 3.5 A-3, and B=2 A to 2.5 A.