LED Lens Internal Reflection Light Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices require a large distance for light mixing between multiple LEDs, leading to inefficiencies in optical output conditioning for applications like LCD backlights, where high power dissipation and thermal loading are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting assembly with a lens that includes a first and second concave portion, configured as ellipses, where light from the first and second sources is reflected internally to merge at a third source, allowing for efficient light mixing within a shorter distance through total internal reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If light from multiple LEDs is allowed to mix naturally according to their Lambert distribution pattern, then complete light mixing can be achieved, but a relatively large distance is required for light mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lens with specifically curved surfaces (convex front surface and concave rear surface) to redirect light paths. The curvature of these surfaces causes light rays from multiple LEDs to converge and mix over a shorter distance compared to natural Lambert distribution propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens acts as an intermediary optical element between the multiple LED sources and the forward transmission direction. It mediates the light mixing process by refracting and redirecting light paths, enabling complete mixing within a reduced distance.
2Temperature
If multiple LEDs are distributed at separate locations to avoid high power dissipation and thermal loading, then thermal management is improved, but the light mixing distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lens surfaces redirect light from spatially distributed LEDs to converge in a compact region, achieving complete light mixing before forward transmission without requiring the LEDs to be placed far apart.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens changes the propagation parameters of light rays through refraction, altering their paths to achieve mixing within a shorter distance while maintaining the beneficial thermal distribution of separated LEDs.
3Reliability
If a double molding process is used to create an optical arrangement for conditioning LED output, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light mixing, conditioning, and forward transmission control) into a single lens component that can be manufactured in one molding process, eliminating the need for double molding while maintaining optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens performs multiple functions: it redirects light from distributed LEDs, enables complete light mixing, conditions the optical output, and controls forward transmission - replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate optical elements and processes.
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 effective mixing of optical outputs from multiple LEDs within a reduced distance, reducing power dissipation and thermal loading while maintaining efficient forward transmission for applications like LCD backlights.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from said first and second optical sources merges at said third optical source after undergoing internal reflection at said lens
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting assembly comprising a lens, a first optical source, a second optical source and a third optical source, wherein the lens is disposed forward of said first, second and third optical sources; the third optical source is intermediate the first and second optical sources; and the lens and the first, second and third optical sources are arranged so that light emitted from the first and second optical sources merges at the third optical source after undergoing internal reflection at the lens.