Flexible Lens Lighting Device with Adjustable Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices have fixed light distributions that cannot be adjusted easily, making them inflexible for varying installation locations or environmental conditions, such as street lighting that may need to adapt to changes due to wind, weather, or road modifications.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a flexible solid lens element and a retaining and adjustment mechanism that allows the lens portion to change shape while the edge portion remains fixed, enabling adjustment of the light beam's shape and distribution without requiring precise installation, using a movable and/or deformable part and actuating means to modify the lens's curvature and thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed light distribution is used, then the lighting device is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to varying installation locations or environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying installation locationsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lens element deformable rather than fixed. The lens can change its shape dynamically to adjust light distribution patterns. The edge portion remains fixed while the lens portion can be deformed by the adjustment means, allowing the system to adapt to different installation conditions without requiring multiple fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes a flexible lens element with a specific structure consisting of an edge portion and a lens portion. The lens portion is designed to be deformable while the edge portion maintains structural integrity and remains fixed. This flexible structure allows the lens to change shape for light distribution adjustment while maintaining manufacturing precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Manufacturing precision

If precise installation is required to achieve desired light distribution, then the light distribution is accurate, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of light distributionVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the lens element with a specific structure where the edge portion is designed to be fixed while the lens portion can be adjusted. This preliminary structural design allows for easy installation without requiring precise alignment during the installation process, as the lens can be easily positioned and then adjusted afterward if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable lens structure allows the light distribution to be optimized after installation by deforming the lens portion. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for precise installation alignment, as the lens can be adjusted to achieve the desired light distribution pattern regardless of the initial installation position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the light distribution cannot be adjusted after installation, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to changes in environmental conditions or road modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to adapt to environmental changesVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable lens system where the lens portion can be deformed by adjustment means to change light distribution patterns. This allows the lighting device to adapt to environmental changes, road modifications, or different installation conditions after installation, providing long-term versatility without requiring complex multiple-lens systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the lens element by deforming its shape. The lens portion can be deformed to alter its optical properties, thereby changing the light distribution pattern. This parameter change approach allows a single lens element to provide multiple light distribution configurations, enhancing adaptability without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting devices with fixed distributions are stored for different applications, then each device is simple, but storage needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of light beam shapesVSAvoidnumber of devices to store
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal lighting device with a deformable lens that can produce multiple light distribution patterns. A single lighting device with an adjustable lens can replace multiple fixed-distribution devices, as the lens can be deformed to create different light beam shapes and patterns, thereby reducing the quantity of devices needed in storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic lens deformation capability allows one lighting device to perform the functions of multiple fixed-distribution devices. By adjusting the lens shape, the same device can produce narrow or wide light beams, making it versatile enough to replace several specialized devices, thus reducing storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for adaptable light distribution that can be adjusted post-installation, improving safety and energy efficiency, reducing storage needs by allowing the same device to produce different light beams, and simplifying installation by eliminating the need for precise alignment.

Implementation Method 1

The first lens element (210) comprises a lens portion (211) and an edge portion (212) surrounding the lens portion (211). The retaining and adjustment means (220) is configured to change the shape of the lens portion (211) whilst the edge portion (212) is retained in a fixed position with respect to the support (100).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3830479B1Lighting device with adjustable light distribution
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 SCHREDER SA
  • EP3830479B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP3830479B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3830479B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9C

AI summary

Lighting device (1000) comprising: a support (100) with at least a first light source (110) which is arranged on the support; a lens assembly (200) comprising a flexible solid first lens element (210) which extends over the first light source, said first lens element comprising a lens portion (211) and an edge portion (212) surrounding said lens portion, said lens portion having a first at least partially concave surface (213) facing the first light source and/or a second at least partially convex surface (214) located on an opposite side thereof; and a retaining and adjustment means (220) changing the shape of the lens portion whilst the edge portion is retained in a fixed position with respect to the support; said first light source and said first lens element generating a first light beam, and said retaining and adjustment means (220) adjusting the shape of the first light beam.