Hemispherical Dome Light Assembly for Narrow Beam Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light assemblies that emit both narrow, unattenuated light beams and attenuated light over broad angles face manufacturing complexities, susceptibility to degradation, and size constraints, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly comprising a housing, a light emitting diode (LED), and a hemispherical dome made of thermoplastic resin embedded with dye, where the dome attenuates light intensity and features an aperture for unattenuated light emission, allowing for simultaneous narrow and broad angle light distribution without complex manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved lens with thin film masking is used to achieve narrow and broad angle light emission, then the light distribution requirement is met, but manufacturing complexity increases and the solution becomes susceptible to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a central aperture region for unattenuated narrow beam emission and a surrounding dome region for attenuated broad angle emission. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to complex lens masking techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical dome acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the external environment. It selectively attenuates light in broad angles while allowing unattenuated light to pass through the central aperture, achieving the desired light distribution pattern without requiring complex lens masking or reflector systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cup-style reflector is used to redirect light for narrow and broad angle emission, then light distribution is achieved, but the assembly size increases and performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hemispherical dome utilizes its curved spherical geometry to naturally redirect light in broad angles while maintaining a compact form factor. The curvature allows the dome to perform light redistribution functions that would otherwise require larger reflector assemblies, achieving superior performance within a smaller volume envelope
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical dome serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective cover, a light attenuating element for broad angles, and a structural component of the assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reflector components, reducing overall assembly size while maintaining light distribution performance
3Manufacturing precision
If complex manufacturing techniques are used to achieve precise light distribution, then light emission performance is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves precise light emission characteristics by controlling material parameters rather than complex geometric parameters. The dome's light attenuation properties are determined by its material composition and thickness, which can be easily controlled during molding, rather than requiring precise lens curvature or mask positioning that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and durable light emission with reduced manufacturing complexity, achieving desired light distribution patterns while maintaining a compact size, thus addressing the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The hemispherical dome comprises a material that attenuates the emission intensity by a predetermined magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly includes a housing, a light emitting diode (LED), and a hemispherical dome. The housing has a lens mounted thereon. The light LED is mounted within the housing and operable to emit light within a predetermined range of wavelengths and at an emission intensity toward the lens. The hemispherical dome mounted is within the housing between the LED and the lens. The hemispherical dome comprises a material that attenuates the emission intensity by a predetermined magnitude, and has an aperture formed therein and through which a portion of the light emitted from the LED may pass unattenuated.