Laser Light Assembly with Radial Diffuser and Phosphor Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser diode lighting systems are limited by their ability to emit light in only a single direction, which restricts their application in vehicle lighting where a broader, 360-degree illumination is required.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly that includes a laser diode emitting a beam along an axis, a diffusing assembly with a light diffuser and a phosphor tube to scatter light in multiple radial directions, and a mirror to recycle and redirect unscattered light, enabling 360-degree illumination around the initial beam axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a laser diode is used to emit light in a single direction, then the directional light output is achieved, but the ability to illuminate 360 degrees is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffuser is segmented into multiple regions (first region with first refractive index, second region with second refractive index) that differently deflect light beams. This segmentation allows the system to maintain directional light output from the laser diode while simultaneously creating 360-degree illumination through controlled light scattering in different directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light diffuser have different local optical properties (different refractive indices) to achieve different light deflection characteristics. The first region deflects light in certain directions while the second region deflects light in other directions, enabling both directional output and omnidirectional illumination from a single component.
2Illumination intensity
If a flat plate with phosphor is used to scatter light, then light scattering in a single direction is achieved, but 360-degree light distribution is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffuser transitions from a flat plate configuration to a curved or spheroidal configuration where light can be scattered in multiple radial directions. The curved surface geometry enables light beams to be deflected at various angles, achieving 360-degree light distribution around the initial beam axis while maintaining efficient light scattering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to light scattering by using a light diffuser with varying refractive indices in different regions. This creates light deflection in multiple dimensions/directions simultaneously, transforming the single-direction scattering of a flat plate into multi-directional radial light distribution.
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 effectively converts the single-axis laser beam into a 360-degree light distribution, enhancing the ability of vehicle headlights to illuminate the entire surface of a parabolic/concave reflector and providing a more versatile lighting solution.
Implementation Method 1
The light diffuser may include a first region having a first refractive index and a second region having a second refractive index. The first region may deflect the light beam a first amount and the second region may deflect the light beam a second amount.
Implementation Method 2
a phosphor tube for further scattering the light emitted from the diffuser
Implementation Method 3
a mirror for returning any light which is not deflected radially through the phosphor tube back into the phosphor tube
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly includes a laser light emitting diode for emitting a light beam along an axis and a diffusing assembly for deflecting the light beam substantially 360 degrees around the axis. The diffusing assembly includes a light diffuser for receiving and scattering a light beam emitted from the diode, a phosphor tube for further scattering the light emitted from the diffuser, and a mirror for returning any light with is not deflected radially through the phosphor tube back into the phosphor tube. The deflector has a reflective end surface to allow the light repeated passes thorough the phosphor tube until it escapes radially through the tube.