LED Light Guide Branching with Collimated Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED light systems with light guides lack flexibility in distributing light to branches, leading to inefficient light distribution and potential losses due to protrusions and reflections.
Innovation Solution
The LED light system incorporates a light guide with a slab-like section that branches into multiple directions, utilizing lenses to create collimated beams that can be directed towards specific areas, and includes protrusions positioned in shaded areas to minimize light loss, with a support having a reflective surface to enhance light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source is used to illuminate multiple branches, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flexibility in directing light to specific branches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light guide into multiple slab-like sections, each with its own light entrance surface and lenses. This segmentation allows each section to independently direct light to specific branches while maintaining a single light source, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and light distribution flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lenses as intermediary elements between the light source and the light guide branches. These lenses act as mediators that can independently direct light to different branches, providing flexibility in light distribution without requiring multiple light sources.
2Reliability
If protrusions are added to space light guiding elements from the support, then total reflection is enhanced, but light loss occurs at the protrusion locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions protrusions in shaded areas where they would otherwise cause light loss. By strategically placing these structural necessities in regions where light intensity is already low, the harmful effect of light loss at protrusions is minimized while the beneficial effect of enhanced total reflection is maintained.
3Measurement precision
If collimated beams are used to direct light to specific branches, then light distribution precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light guide into multiple sections, each equipped with its own lenses for collimating and directing light. This segmentation allows precise light distribution to different branches while organizing the lens system in a modular fashion that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the lenses to serve multiple functions: collimating light from the single light source, directing it to specific branches, and working with the slab-like sections to enhance light distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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 allows for more flexible and efficient light distribution to multiple branches, reducing light loss and enhancing the homogeneity of light emission, creating a more effective ambient lighting effect.
Implementation Method 1
The light entrance surface comprises at least one first lens configured to form a first collimated light beam propagating from the first lens towards the first branch and one second lens configured to form a second collimated light beam propagating from the second lens towards the second branch
Implementation Method 2
The light guide is preferably configured to enhance collimation of at least one of the first and second beams
Implementation Method 3
a support having a reflective surface to enhance light distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
The light comprises at least one light source (13) and at least one light guide (40). The light guide has at least one slab like section (42) branching at at least one junction (43,45,47) in at least a first branch (52,54,56) and a second branch (52,54,56). The light guide has at least one light entrance surface (41) facing the light source. Light from the light source can be coupled in the slab like section of the light guide via the light entrance surface and propagate through the slab like section of the light guide towards the junction and subsequently through the branches. The light entrance surface comprises at least one first lens (61-66) configured to form a first collimated light beam propagating from the first lens towards the first branch and one second lens (61-66) configured to form a second collimated light beam propagating from the second lens towards the second branch.