Free-Form Lens Light Guide for Larger Display Board Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display boards lack effective means to enhance perceptibility, particularly in larger regions, and require improvements in light distribution and installation ease.
Innovation Solution
A light guide element comprising a light guide rod and a free-form lens that emits a diverging bundle of rays, with features such as continuous cross-sectional changes, non-rotationally symmetrical design, and integrated free-form lens, allowing for efficient light mixing and direction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional light guide rod is used with standard lens, then the light distribution is limited to a small region, but the display board perceptibility in larger regions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a free-form lens with specifically optimized surface geometry that transforms the light bundle from the light guide rod into a diverging bundle with controlled divergence angles (1°-10°). This geometric transformation enables the light to cover larger areas while maintaining perceptibility, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and light intensity
2Illumination intensity
If multiple separate components are used for light guide and lens, then the light distribution can be controlled, but the installation and assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide rod and the free-form lens into a single integrated component. The free-form lens is directly formed on the light guide rod, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining precise light distribution control. This integration resolves the contradiction between light control capability and assembly complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If the light guide rod has sharp edges and straight surfaces, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the light mixing and homogenization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by giving the light guide rod rounded surfaces without sharp edges and incorporating a free-form lens with continuous curved surfaces. This curvature design enhances light mixing and homogenization through multiple internal reflections while maintaining manufacturability through modern molding techniques, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and light homogenization
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
Enhances light perceptibility over a larger area with improved light mixing and directionality, facilitating easy installation and reducing the need for complex assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide rod (101) for introducing light from a light source (103)
Implementation Method 2
a free-form lens (105) for emitting the light from the light guide rod (101) as a diverging bundle of rays (107)
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide element (100) for display boards, comprising a light guide rod (101) for introducing light from a light source (103); and a free-form lens (105) for emitting the light from the light guide rod (101) as a diverging bundle of rays (107).