LED Lens Projections for Wide Illumination Dispersion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LED light sources in lamps and vehicles face challenges in spreading illumination longitudinally due to their narrow cone-shaped light emission pattern, making them less effective for adequate area illumination compared to incandescent bulbs.
Innovation Solution
A lens with multiple projections having flat top surfaces for magnifying light and sloping side surfaces for dispersing light, redirecting the light emission in various directions to enhance illumination coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If an LED light source is used, then the operating life is extended to up to 100,000 hours, but the light emission pattern becomes narrow and cone-shaped, reducing longitudinal dispersion and illumination area
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple discrete projections (typically 3-5 projections) arranged around the LED. Each projection acts as an independent light redirecting element, collectively providing broader illumination coverage while maintaining the LED's long operational life. The segmentation allows the light to be distributed across multiple angular zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The projections are arranged in a circular pattern around the LED, adding an angular dimension to light distribution. Instead of light spreading only in a narrow cone along the optical axis, the projections redirect light laterally in multiple directions, effectively transforming the illumination pattern from one-dimensional (axial) to two-dimensional (radial/angular distribution).
2Use of energy by moving object
If an LED light source is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but the narrow light emission pattern makes it insufficient for adequately illuminating large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The lens acts as an intermediary optical element between the LED light source and the target area. It receives the narrow cone-shaped light from the LED and redistributes it across a wider area through refraction and reflection at the projection surfaces. This mediator transforms the energy distribution without significant loss, maintaining LED energy efficiency while expanding illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens changes the angular parameters of light emission. By designing projections with specific angles and curvatures, the system transforms the narrow emission cone (typically ±20°) into a broader distribution pattern, adjusting the light's directional parameters to achieve wider area coverage while preserving the energy-efficient LED source.
3Area of stationary object
If a lens with multiple projections is added to an LED, then light dispersion and illumination area are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens parameters (number of projections, projection height, base diameter, curvature radius) are optimized to achieve effective light dispersion with a simple structure. Typically 3-5 projections provide sufficient angular coverage without excessive complexity. The parameters are designed to work with standard LED sizes, maintaining manufacturability and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is segmented into a manageable number of projections (3-5) rather than using a continuous complex surface. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing processes such as injection molding or CNC machining, while still achieving effective light redistribution. Each projection is a simple geometric form that can be easily fabricated and assembled.
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 lens increases the area illuminated by LED light sources, allowing light to be seen from different angles and positions, improving the effectiveness of LED lamps and stop/tail/turn lamps on vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
each projection has multiple sloping side surfaces, which preferably vary the direction of light emission, for example, by refracting the light being transmitted through the sloping side surfaces of the lens
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of projections each having a substantially flat top surface, preferably suitable for magnifying the emitted light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lens for use with a lamp having at least one LED light source. The lens preferably includes a plurality of projections each having a substantially flat top surface and a plurality of sloping side surfaces, preferably suitable for dispersing the emitted light. Such a variance in light emission may enhance the light being viewed from different angles and positions therefrom.