Emitter-Lens Array Layout for Homogeneous Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation emitting devices face challenges in achieving homogeneous illumination due to interference or diffraction effects, leading to inhomogeneous illumination of target areas.

Innovation Solution

The device comprises a plurality of emitters and optical elements arranged in specific geometric configurations, with defined spacing and angular relationships to minimize interference and ensure homogeneous illumination, using conditions such as NE1*AE1*cos Φ=m2*AO1, NE2*AE2*sin Φ=m4*AO1, NE1*AE1*sin Φ=m1*AO2, and NE2*AE2*cos Φ=m3*AO2 to systematically arrange emitters and optical elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If modules with several emitters and an associated lens array are used to illuminate target areas, then the illumination coverage is improved, but interference or diffraction effects lead to inhomogeneous illumination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidillumination homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the emitter and optical element arrays by introducing specific spacing relationships. The emitter spacing AE1, AE2 and optical element spacing AO1, AO2 are related through mathematical conditions (NE1*AE1*cosΦ=m2*AO1, etc.) to alter the interference pattern and achieve homogeneous illumination across the target area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric arrangement where the emitter array and optical element array are rotated relative to each other by an angle Φ that is not 0 or 90 degrees. This asymmetric configuration breaks the symmetry that causes regular interference patterns, thereby suppressing unintended patterns and achieving more uniform illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If emitters are arranged in a regular array with fixed spacing, then the device structure is simplified, but interference patterns cause inhomogeneous illumination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter array structureVSAvoidillumination homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

While maintaining regular array structures for both emitters and optical elements, the patent introduces specific mathematical relationships between the spacing parameters. The conditions NE1*AE1*cosΦ=m2*AO1 and NE2*AE2*sinΦ=m4*AO1 create a controlled parameter relationship that suppresses interference patterns without requiring irregular or complex array configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the number of emitters and optical elements is increased to improve illumination coverage, then the illuminated area is expanded, but the risk of inhomogeneities due to interference effects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget area coverageVSAvoidillumination uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific mathematical relationships between the numbers of emitters (NE1, NE2) and optical elements (AO1, AO2) through the conditions NE1*AE1*cosΦ=m2*AO1 and NE2*AE2*sinΦ=m4*AO1. These parameter relationships ensure that as the array sizes increase to cover larger areas, the interference patterns remain controlled and homogeneous illumination is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 arrangement effectively suppresses unintended patterns in illumination, enhancing homogeneity and reducing the risk of inhomogeneities, particularly when factors m1, m2, m3, and m4 are close to integers or prime to the number of emitters, ensuring uniform illumination across target objects.

Implementation Method 1

the optical elements shape the radiation emitted by the emitters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

interference or diffraction effects can lead to an inhomogeneous illumination of the target area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of emitters (1) and a plurality of optical elements (2)... shape the radiation emitted by the emitters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12362336B2Uniformly illuminating radiation emitting device and method of manufacture

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 AMS OSRAM INT GMBH

AI summary

A radiation emitting device may have a plurality of emitters and a plurality of optical elements. The emitters may be arranged along a first emitter direction at a first average emitter spacing AE1 and along a second emitter direction extending obliquely or perpendicularly to the first emitter direction at a second average emitter spacing AE2. The optical elements may be arranged along a first optics direction at a first average optics spacing AO1 and along a second optics direction extending obliquely or perpendicularly to the first optics direction at a second average optics spacing AO2.