Light-Conducting Pedestal for LED Light Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED systems suffer from inefficiencies in collecting and directing light energy, leading to uncontrolled beams, energy leakage, and bulk losses due to the use of lenses and reflectors, which result in incomplete energy collection and unwanted halo effects.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilizes a combination of a lens and a reflector to collect and redirect nearly all LED energy into two controlled beams, minimizing losses by optimizing the design of these optical elements and their integration with the LED package, allowing for customizable beam patterns through modifications such as surface treatments and additional lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a lens or reflector is used to collect hemispherical light from LED, then light collection is achieved, but energy loss occurs due to incomplete collection and uncontrolled direct radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hemispherical light collection into two distinct functional zones: a lens portion for collecting and controlling forward-directed light (0-60 degrees from optical axis) and a reflector portion for collecting and controlling backward-directed light (60-180 degrees from optical axis). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating uncontrolled direct radiation while maximizing energy collection efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If TIR system is used to collect LED energy, then some energy collection is achieved, but energy leakage occurs through package walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens and reflector into a single integrated optical component that fully encloses the LED package. This unified structure eliminates energy leakage through package walls by providing continuous optical control in all directions, while the integration reduces overall system complexity compared to separate TIR components.
3Ease of operation
If LED is reversed and pointed into concave reflector, then reflected beam control is improved, but center energy is shadowed by LED package
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the shadowing problem by adding the lens component in a different spatial dimension - positioned in front of the LED to capture forward-directed center energy that would otherwise be shadowed. This dimensional addition allows simultaneous control of both reflected beams (via reflector) and direct forward beams (via lens), eliminating energy loss while maintaining beam control.
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
Achieves almost complete energy collection and redirection into controlled beams with minimal surface and figure losses, enabling efficient and flexible light distribution suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The lens in the illustrated embodiment is roughly hemispherical, but may have any desired shape or form. It is within the scope of the invention that the surface of the lens could also be modified to control the resultant beam
Implementation Method 2
The energy in the second beam is collected via a reflector. The reflector may be designed to provide a collimated beam, a convergent beam or a divergent beam
Implementation Method 3
Total internal reflection (TIR) is also used where the energy from the LED is collected both by an internal shaped reflector-like surface of the lens and a lens formed on either the outside or inside surface of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a light source, preferably an LED, a reflector, a light-conducting element mounted on the light source for directing light from the light source to an end of the light-conducting element, and a lens mounted on the end of the light-conducting element for directing light into a central beam. Light from the light source is directed to the reflector into a peripheral beam. The central and peripheral beams comprise substantially all of the light generated by the light source. The lens is in effect mounted on a pedestal above the LED. The pedestal transmits all the light rays in the central solid angle to the lens without loss.