Homogenization Device for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices for uniform illumination, such as integrating spheres, often require a large space and suffer from shadowing issues, making them less efficient and compact for industrial and scientific applications.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a flat light source and a homogenization system comprising diffusely reflective chambers that prevent direct light beams from passing between the inlet and outlet openings, using LEDs arranged on a plate and chambers with diffusely reflective surfaces to achieve homogeneous illumination without shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an integrating sphere is used to generate homogeneous light, then uniform illumination is achieved, but the device occupies a large space and suffers from shadowing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The integrating sphere is segmented into multiple separate chambers (inlet chamber, intermediate chamber, outlet chamber) that are arranged linearly. Each chamber has diffusely reflective inner surfaces that collectively achieve light homogenization through multiple reflections, eliminating the need for a large spherical volume while maintaining uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a three-dimensional spherical geometry to a linear arrangement of rectangular chambers. This dimensional change allows the light homogenization function to be achieved in a compact linear footprint rather than requiring a large spherical volume, significantly reducing the device's overall size.
2Illumination intensity
If an integrating sphere is used to generate homogeneous light, then uniform illumination is achieved, but shadowing devices are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The shadowing device component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a sphere with openings that require shadowing, the linear chamber design with diffusely reflective surfaces naturally prevents direct light paths from inlet to outlet, achieving shadow-free homogeneous illumination without additional shadowing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harmful effect of direct light paths (which cause shadows and non-uniform illumination) into a beneficial feature by using diffusely reflective surfaces that scatter light in multiple directions. This ensures that no direct light beams can travel from inlet to outlet openings, automatically eliminating shadowing issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are arranged in an integrating sphere to handle rapid spectral changes, then spectral adaptability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear chamber design with diffusely reflective surfaces serves as a universal light homogenization structure that works effectively with any light source type or arrangement. Whether using multiple light sources for spectral adaptability or a single source, the chamber configuration provides consistent homogeneous illumination, making the system versatile without requiring complex light source integration.
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 a compact design with uniform and spectrally homogeneous light distribution, outperforming traditional integrating spheres in practical applications by eliminating shadows and maintaining high uniformity and spectral consistency.
Implementation Method 1
at least half of the inner surface of the inlet chamber, the intermediate chamber and the outlet chamber are designed to be diffusely reflective
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device by means of which a surface can be particularly uniformly illuminated, in particular for scientific or quality control purposes. In particular, the invention relates to a lighting device for homogeneously illuminating an object, which device comprises a homogenisation device (10) and is suitable for connection to a light source, said homogenisation device (10) having an inlet opening (12), an inlet chamber (16) arranged behind the inlet opening (12), an intermediate chamber (18), an outlet chamber (20), and an outlet opening (22) arranged behind the outlet chamber (20), wherein the inlet chamber (16), the intermediate chamber (18) and the outlet chamber (20) each have an outer surface (26) and an inner surface (24), wherein the inlet chamber (16) extends along a first main axis (H1) and the outlet chamber (20) extends along a second main axis (H2), and a light source arranged in the region of the inlet opening (12) can send light through the inlet chamber (16), the intermediate chamber (18), the outlet chamber (20) and the outlet opening (22) onto an object to be illuminated, characterised in that a beam of light cannot travel in a straight line from a point of the inlet opening (12) to a point of the outlet opening (22), and that at least the respective inner surfaces (24) of the inlet chamber (16), the intermediate chamber (18) and the outlet chamber (20) are diffusely reflective in at least one respective first region, such that a beam of light reflected on one of these inner surfaces (24), said beam illuminating a first reference surface (R1) with a first irradiance when incident, when emergent illuminates a second reference surface (R2) of the same size with a second irradiance that is lower than the first irradiance by at least a factor of 3, when both reference surfaces (R1, R2) are positioned at a distance of 10 mm from the reflection point (P).