Elongated Lens Trough for Independent Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens structures for generating elongated radiation patterns face limitations in independent control over each axis of the illumination pattern, leading to interdependencies between dimensions, which can restrict the achievable shape and complexity of the lens design.
Innovation Solution
A lens with an elongated trough along the long axis and a smooth transition to a curved wall, featuring a concave shape along both axes with differing radii of curvature, allowing for greater control over the eccentricity of the illumination pattern and enabling a substantially rectangular or oval pattern with independent control of each dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a peanut-shaped lens with concave and convex portions is used to generate elongated illumination pattern, then the light divergence along one axis is improved, but the lens shape complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into three distinct portions: a central concave portion and two lateral convex portions. Each portion independently controls light rays in specific angular ranges, with the concave portion handling central rays and convex portions handling off-center rays. This segmentation allows complex illumination control to be achieved through simpler, standardized lens sections that can be manufactured using conventional techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens have different optical properties tailored to their specific functions. The central concave portion has different curvature and refractive characteristics compared to the lateral convex portions. Each region is optimized for its local light control requirements, enabling precise illumination pattern control while using manufacturable local geometries rather than a single complex overall shape.
2Illumination intensity
If a peanut-shaped lens with multiple lens portions is used to control light distribution, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lens into standard concave and convex portions with well-defined optical axes and angular ranges, each portion can be manufactured using conventional lens fabrication techniques with standard tolerances. The segmented design avoids the need for ultra-precise manufacturing of a single complex peanut-shaped surface, as each simpler portion can be produced with常规 precision while collectively achieving uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens design uses multiple discrete lens portions (concave and convex sections) rather than attempting to achieve the complete illumination control in a single continuous surface. This partial action approach allows each portion to be manufactured within standard precision limits while the cumulative effect of all portions achieves the desired uniform illumination distribution.
3Illumination intensity
If a complex multi-portion lens is used to achieve elongated radiation pattern, then the radiation pattern control is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concave and convex lens portions are merged into a single integrated lens structure with a continuous optical surface. This unified design eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple discrete lens elements, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the sophisticated radiation pattern control achieved through the different portions' optical designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: the concave portion controls central light rays, the convex portions control off-center rays, and together they generate the elongated illumination pattern. This multi-functional integration within one lens component avoids the need for separate optical elements for each function, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 design allows for a more flexible and independent control over the elongated illumination pattern, enabling a wider range of shapes and reducing constraints on the lens's physical size and manufacturing complexity, resulting in a more uniform and customizable light emission.
Implementation Method 1
Lenses are commonly used to alter the shape of the illumination/radiation pattern produced by a light source
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~4B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
An elongated lens (300) is formed with a trough (310) along the long axis on the light emitting surface of the lens. The elongated lens (300) may include a curved wall (325) about its perimeter, and a smooth transition (317) between the curved wall (325) and the trough (310). The trough (310) may include a concave shape along both the long axis and the short axis, although the radius of curvature of the concave shape may differ between the long and short axes. The eccentricity of the illumination pattern may be controlled by the size of the trough (310) and these radii of curvature.