Flexible Edge-Lit Waveguide with Cavity Topologies for Compact Light Collimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems for collecting and distributing light are inefficient, particularly in compact applications, as they require bulky structures and additional optics, leading to increased cost and volume, and fail to achieve efficient light collimation when extracting light from a waveguide through its longitudinal face.
Innovation Solution
A compact light collection and distribution system using a planar waveguide with integrated light deflecting and collimating elements, such as prismatic grooves and lenses, that redirect and collimate light through total internal reflection, allowing efficient light collection and distribution with minimal space consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional reflective mirrors or refractive lenses are used to collect and focus light, then light collection efficiency is improved, but device volume and structural complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light collection function and light guiding function into a single integrated waveguide structure. The waveguide itself acts as both the collecting element and the guiding element, eliminating the need for separate mirrors or lenses. This merging of functions directly reduces device volume while maintaining light collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collects light from a broad spectrum, guides light through total internal reflection, and can be configured for various illumination patterns. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate optical components, thereby reducing overall device volume.
2Productivity
If additional optical elements such as lenses and mirrors are added to collect light over a large area, then light collection capability is improved, but system cost and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light collection and guidance functions into a single waveguide structure, eliminating the need for separate lenses and mirrors. This integration directly reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to collect light over a large area.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is designed to be self-sufficient for light collection and guidance without requiring external optical components. The waveguide itself provides the necessary optical functions, reducing both system complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If luminescent centers are used to trap incident radiation in a light guide, then light trapping efficiency is improved, but light transparency and efficiency decrease due to absorption and scattering of trapped light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces luminescent centers with a reflective optical system using total internal reflection at the waveguide boundaries. This substitution eliminates the absorption and scattering problems associated with luminescent materials while maintaining light trapping efficiency through geometric optical principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses total internal reflection to control light propagation, effectively changing the optical path without absorbing or scattering light. This approach maintains light transparency and efficiency while achieving light trapping, in contrast to the absorption-based mechanism of luminescent centers.
4Productivity
If holographic concentrators are used to bend incident light by diffraction, then light concentration is improved, but light loss increases due to re-coupling at each bounce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces diffraction-based holographic concentrators with a reflective system using total internal reflection. This substitution eliminates the light loss associated with re-coupling at holographic layers while maintaining light concentration capability through geometric optical principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of light loss into a benefit by using total internal reflection, which is a lossless mechanism. The waveguide geometry is designed to trap light efficiently without the energy loss problems of diffraction-based systems.
5Ease of operation
If conventional optical systems are used to extract light from waveguide through longitudinal face, then light extraction is achieved, but collimation quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local optical elements (lenses or reflective surfaces) at specific locations within the waveguide to improve collimation quality. These localized modifications provide precise control over light extraction and collimation without requiring complete redesign of the entire waveguide system.
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 system achieves efficient light collimation and distribution with reduced system size and cost, enabling uniform light distribution and improved performance in space-limited applications.
Implementation Method 1
propagate the received light through the planar waveguide by optical transmission and total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
A compact light collection and distribution system using a planar waveguide with integrated light deflecting and collimating elements, such as prismatic grooves and lenses, that redirect and collimate light
Data Source
AI summary
An edge-lit waveguide illumination system with a thin, flexible layer of optically transmissive material designed for guiding light through optical transmission and total internal reflection. The system features a randomized two-dimensional pattern of discrete cavities formed on its back surface, and an array of linear cylindrical lenses on its front surface. Light is emitted by a plurality of LEDs positioned along a light input edge. A sheet of reflective material is positioned coextensively on the back surface. At least one cavity features a curved wall with a specific angle. Additional components may include a photoresponsive layer, a heat-dissipating metallic substrate with side-emitting LEDs, and optical adhesives or encapsulants. The system may also incorporate luminescent centers and/or a light-diffusing layer for altering light characteristics.