LED Linear Illumination Light Guide Optical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based linear illumination devices suffer from low optical efficiency and undesirable light patterns due to the use of individual LEDs and traditional light guides, which result in significant light loss and localized spots, making them less efficient and less effective compared to fluorescent lights.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a solid optic light guide with a parabolic lens and a rear reflector to enhance optical coupling and distribution, minimizing internal reflections and light leakage, and using power conditioning electronics, heat sinks, and temperature control to optimize LED performance, while shaping the light guide to mimic the emission pattern of fluorescent lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lensed LEDs are used to create linear illumination devices, then high lumen output is achieved, but the light source emits a circular light beam rather than a linear pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the circular light output from lensed LEDs into a linear pattern by arranging multiple LEDs in a linear configuration and using light guides to distribute the light along a linear path, effectively changing the dimensional characteristics of the light emission from circular to linear
2Temperature
If large numbers of individual LEDs are used to achieve linear light output, then heat is spatially distributed, but the cost increases significantly due to packaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into modular segments where multiple LEDs are grouped into arrays that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the final linear illumination device, reducing overall packaging costs while maintaining heat distribution benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where individual LEDs are embedded within modular arrays, which are then integrated into the light guide system, allowing for efficient heat distribution while minimizing packaging requirements through hierarchical integration
3Illumination intensity
If individual lensed LEDs are arranged in a linear array, then high lumen output is achieved, but numerous bright point sources create distracting glare rather than uniform light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output from multiple individual LEDs by coupling them to a common light guide, which integrates and redistributes the light to create a uniform linear emission pattern, eliminating the distracting point sources while preserving the high lumen output
4Shape
If fluorescent lights are used to achieve linear illumination patterns, then the light can be focused to a desired spot, but substantial light losses occur due to reflectors and support electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component that receives light from LED arrays and distributes it along a linear path, serving as a mediator between the point-source LEDs and the desired linear illumination pattern, thereby achieving focus capability without the substantial light losses associated with reflectors
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 solution significantly improves the optical efficiency of LED-based linear light sources beyond 50% and provides a more uniform, linear light output, closely replicating the emission pattern of fluorescent lights while reducing costs and glare.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of a solid optic lens, including a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) optic, within a light guide that shapes the entrance and exit of light to minimize reflections and enhance collimation
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, LED-based illumination devices include an inlet region for receiving the LED light that is complementary in shape to the lens of the LED.