Optical Arrangement with Inverted Lens Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems cannot seamlessly switch between functional and decorative illumination modes without compromising image quality due to crosstalk issues caused by the arrangement of positive and negative lens arrays.
Innovation Solution
The optical arrangement features a first plate with a negative lens array and a second plate with a complementary positive lens array, allowing for displacement between a pass-through configuration and a decorative image configuration, with the decorative image positioned close to the output surface of the negative lens array to minimize crosstalk and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the decorative image is positioned at a distance greater than the focal distance of the positive lens array, then the light can be refracted to form an image, but crosstalk occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional order of lens arrays by placing the negative lens array first (closest to the decorative image) and the positive lens array second (closest to the output). This reversal allows the negative lenses to diverge light from the decorative image before it reaches the positive lenses, enabling proper image formation without crosstalk when the image is positioned within the negative focal length distance from the first lens array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focal length parameter configuration by using a negative lens array with negative focal length positioned at the input side. By positioning the decorative image within the negative focal length distance (|Fn|) from the first lens array, the system achieves proper light convergence at the output without the crosstalk problems that occur with conventional positive lens array configurations.
2Volume of moving object
If the decorative image is positioned closer than the focal distance of the positive lens array, then the system becomes more compact, but the positive lenses cannot refract the radiation pattern properly and crosstalk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the lens array order and using negative lenses first, the system can position the decorative image much closer to the lens arrays (within negative focal length distance) while still achieving proper beam convergence. The negative lenses diverge the light appropriately, allowing compact positioning without compromising beam profile quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple lenses from the first lens array are involved in forming a single image, then the system can function with standard lens arrays, but crosstalk increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted configuration with negative lenses first ensures that each lens in the first array processes light from a specific region of the decorative image and directs it to a corresponding region in the output. This one-to-one mapping eliminates crosstalk between adjacent lenses while maintaining ease of manufacture with standard lens array fabrication methods.
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 configuration enables a compact, low-cost lighting system that can switch between functional and decorative modes with improved image quality by ensuring each image is associated with a single lens, reducing crosstalk and maintaining a clear beam profile.
Implementation Method 1
the first lens array comprises an array of negative lenses having a negative focal length Fn
Implementation Method 2
the second lens array having a complementary shape to the first lens array
Data Source
AI summary
An optical arrangement comprises two plates, with complementary shaped lens arrays. A decorative image is provided at the plate on the light input side. The plates are displaceable with respect to each other between a pass through mode with the plates in contact or close proximity, and a decorative image mode with the plates apart.