Optical System for Elongated LED Light Distribution Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems for elongated LED light sources are inflexible and costly, making it difficult to adapt light distribution to different application requirements, such as illuminating corridors or store aisles, as they require precise and expensive optics to achieve optimal light output.

Innovation Solution

A three-optical-element system is proposed, comprising a first optical element for achieving a specific opening angle perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a second optical element to modify and broaden the light distribution, and a third optical element, such as a grid, to bundle light and reduce glare in the longitudinal direction, allowing for flexible and efficient adjustment of light output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high-precision optical elements are used to achieve optimal light distribution, then lighting performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into multiple separate optical elements (first optical element, second optical element, third optical element) that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. Each element performs a specific function in the light distribution sequence, allowing for simpler individual manufacturing while achieving complex overall light distribution characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical elements are designed to work together in a universal configuration that can adapt to different lighting applications. The modular design allows the same basic elements to be combined in different arrangements to achieve various light distribution patterns for different mounting situations and application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical elements are customized for specific applications, then light distribution performance is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidoptics customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system provides dynamic adaptability through the sequential arrangement of multiple optical elements that can be adjusted or reconfigured. The system can adapt to different mounting heights, mounting positions, and application requirements by modifying the arrangement or parameters of the optical elements in the sequence, rather than requiring completely custom-designed optics for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single optical element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but light distribution control in multiple directions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of optical elementsVSAvoidlight distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into multiple separate optical elements (first optical element, second optical element, third optical element) that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. Each element performs a specific function in the light distribution sequence, allowing for simpler individual manufacturing while achieving complex overall light distribution characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system addresses light distribution control in multiple spatial dimensions by introducing a sequence of optical elements arranged in the light path. The first optical element controls distribution in a first direction, the second optical element controls distribution in a second direction, and the third optical element provides additional control, thereby achieving comprehensive angular control without requiring each element to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables adaptable light distribution in both transverse and longitudinal directions, preventing blinding effects and allowing for easy adjustment of light output without the need for individually tailored optics, thus optimizing lighting for various applications while reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical element extending in a longitudinal direction and configured to achieve a light distribution with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a second optical element downstream of the optical element, which is configured to influence the light emitted by the first optical element in the plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

The light-refracting or light-reflecting optical elements used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

a third optical element downstream of the second optical element, which is configured to influence, in particular to focus, the light emitted by the second optical element in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3832194B1Optical system for influencing the light emitted by an extended light source
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP3832194B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3832194B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3832194B1 patent drawingFigure 7~13

AI summary

An optical system (50) for influencing the light emission of an elongated light source comprises a first optical element (10) which extends in a longitudinal direction (I) and is configured to achieve a light distribution with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical system (50) which has a first opening angle, a second optical element (30) which influences the light emitted by the first optical element (10) in such a way that the light distribution is changed, and a third optical element (40) which is configured to influence the light emitted by the second optical element (30) in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction (I), in particular to focus it.