Flexible Joint Optical Elements for Uniform Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp optics systems face challenges in achieving uniform and efficient alignment of numerous optical elements, particularly reflectors or LEDs, due to tolerances and varying arrangements, making it difficult and time-consuming to achieve consistent aesthetics and radiation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A lamp optics system featuring optical elements connected via flexible joint elements, allowing for adjustable spacing and contour formation, with the option of integral production using flexible plastic or different materials, enabling uniform alignment and reproducible light characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate reflectors are assigned to each light source individually, then the orientation and beam characteristics of each light source can be optimized, but tolerances arise at the transition from one reflector to the next, making uniform alignment difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate optical elements into a single continuous optical element that spans multiple light sources. This continuous element eliminates the transitions and tolerances between separate components, achieving uniform alignment across all light sources while maintaining the ability to optimize beam characteristics for each individual light source through localized shaping of the continuous optical element.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of light sources increases, then the luminous output increases, but uniform alignment of the optical elements becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple optical elements into one continuous optical element, the patent enables all light sources to be aligned uniformly in a single manufacturing process step, regardless of the number of light sources. This eliminates the cumulative alignment time that would normally increase with the number of separate optical elements, making it feasible to incorporate many light sources without proportionally increasing alignment complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different luminaire types have different arrangements of light sources, then each luminaire type can be optimized for its specific application, but each needs to be fitted with appropriate separate reflectors, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous optical element is designed to be adaptable to different luminaire types and light source arrangements through a standardized mounting interface. The optical element can be configured with different shapes, refractive indices, and surface characteristics along its length to optimize performance for various luminaire applications, while maintaining the same basic continuous structure that eliminates alignment tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting optic (1) comprising several optical elements (2) which are arranged in a series, wherein two adjacent optical elements (2) are connected to each other via a flexible joint element (3).