Extruded Wide Angle Lens for LED Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED light sources typically emit light in a Lambertian radiation pattern, which is not desirable for wide-angle distribution, particularly in ceiling fixtures where light needs to be directed more horizontally to avoid a 'dark region' effect above the fixture.
Innovation Solution
A wide-angle lens with an elongated structure featuring distinct protrusions and a trench is used to redirect light from a tight angle to a wide angle, utilizing total internal reflection for maximum efficiency, and can be constructed using an extrusion process with specific cross-sectional designs to accommodate LED modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a LED module is used with a standard lens, then the light distribution follows a Lambertian radiation pattern, but the light is not distributed at a wide angle and creates dark regions above ceiling fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple functional zones with different refractive indices and shapes. The lens includes a first portion with a first refractive index and a second portion with a second refractive index, where each portion is shaped to redirect light in specific directions. This segmentation allows different regions of the lens to control light distribution independently, achieving wide-angle coverage while eliminating dark regions above ceiling fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lens are assigned different optical properties (refractive indices) and geometric characteristics. The first portion has different refractive index and shape compared to the second portion, allowing each local region to optimize light redirection for its specific function. This local differentiation enables precise control over light distribution patterns to achieve the desired wide-angle illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If the lens is designed with complex protrusions and multiple refractive portions, then wide-angle light distribution is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is designed as a multi-functional component that combines multiple optical functions in a single element. It simultaneously redirects light horizontally, distributes it across a wide angle, and eliminates dark regions above ceiling fixtures. By integrating these multiple functions into one lens structure rather than using separate components, the overall system complexity is reduced while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens structure embeds multiple functional zones within a unified geometry. The first and second portions are nested within the overall lens body, with each portion having specific refractive indices and shapes that work together. This nested arrangement allows complex optical behavior to be achieved through a relatively simple extruded structure, maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lens uses multiple refractive indices and complex geometry, then light is effectively redistributed to wide angles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are merged into a single lens structure. The lens combines light redirection, wide-angle distribution, and dark region elimination in one component. By merging these functions rather than using separate optical elements, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining high adaptability for different lighting applications, particularly ceiling fixtures.
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 lens effectively redistributes light to achieve a wide-angle distribution with maximum intensity at approximately 105 degrees from the vertical axis, providing uniform illumination and minimizing dark regions above fixtures, such as suspended ceilings.
Implementation Method 1
the lens can be constructed to use the total internal reflection (TIR) to maximize the total efficiency of the lens
Implementation Method 2
A LED light source can be constructed from a LED module placed in a fixture having a lens. The lens can serve to direct light from the LED module to an environment
Data Source
AI summary
This is directed to a lens for use with a LED light source. The lens can be placed on a top surface of a light fixture to direct light emitted by a LED module at a wide angle relative to the top surface of the fixture. The lens can include an elongated trench in which several LED light sources can be placed in a line such that light emitted within the trench is re-directed by the lens. The lens can include one or more knobs extending over the trench to facilitate diverting emitted light in a more lateral direction, as opposed to vertical direction. In some cases, the lens can be constructed using an extrusion process by which a lens having a constant cross-section allowing for a wide angle radiation pattern is provided.