Indicator Lamp Lens Arrangement for Uniform Illumination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Control lamps in electromechanical devices face challenges in achieving uniform and high luminosity lighting while maintaining brightness, as diffusers often result in non-uniform illumination and reduced brightness when used to achieve uniformity.

Innovation Solution

A control lamp design featuring a lens arrangement with a first lens unit that directs light beams parallel and a second lens or prismatic ring to distribute light evenly across the viewing surface, including side surfaces, combined with a light reflection body for enhanced illumination at various angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a diffuser is used between the light source and the cover, then uniform illumination is achieved, but brightness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of illuminationVSAvoidbrightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the illumination function into two separate optical paths: one through the diffuser for uniformity, and another through the transparent cover for brightness. The light source illuminates both the diffuser (for uniform front surface illumination) and the transparent cover simultaneously, allowing both requirements to be satisfied independently without compromising either uniformity or brightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If no diffuser is used, then brightness is maintained, but illumination uniformity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoiduniformity of illumination
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into two parallel paths: one through the diffuser for uniformity, and another through the transparent cover for brightness. This allows the light source to simultaneously achieve both uniform illumination (via diffuser) and high brightness (via transparent cover) without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If conventional lens arrangements are used, then parallel light output is achieved, but side surface illumination is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveluminosityVSAvoidvisibility from wide angles
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a second optical dimension by introducing a transparent side surface (cover cap) that receives light from the light source. This creates a new illumination dimension perpendicular to the traditional front surface, enabling the control lamp to be visible from wide angles including side views, while maintaining high luminosity through the front lens arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design provides uniform brightness and high luminosity over the viewing surface, making the control lamp visible from a wide angle, enhancing safety and user perception, and can be implemented using conventional bulbs or LEDs.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens unit (6), which is arranged in the direction of propagation of the light emitted by the light source (2) and is designed such that light beams emitted by the light source (2) exit essentially parallel from a side of the first lens unit (6) facing away from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a second lens (7), which is arranged on the side of the first lens unit (6) facing away from the light source (2) and is designed in such a way that part of the light beams emerging from the first lens unit (6) are directed to a transparent side surface (12) of the housing (1) with respect to the parallel direction of propagation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

a light reflection body (15), which reflects light emitted by the light source (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2850362B1Indicator lamp
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2850362B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2850362B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An indicator lamp is disclosed, in particular for an electromechanical command device. The indicator lamp includes a housing and a light source, which is arranged in the housing and emits light when supplied with energy. Furthermore, a lens arrangement is provided, including a first lens unit, which is arranged in the propagation direction of the light emitted by the light source and is built such that light beams emitted by the light source exit substantially parallel from a side of the first lens unit that faces away from the light source. The lens arrangement includes a second lens, which is arranged on the side of the first lens unit that faces away from the light source and is built such that some of the light beams exiting from the first lens unit are directed with respect to the propagation direction towards a transparent side surface of the housing.