LED Luminous Element Homogeneous Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elongate lighting elements for light boxes, such as the Philips Affinium LED poster box module, suffer from non-homogeneous light distribution due to the use of rotationally symmetrical parabolic mirrors for each LED, leading to uneven illumination.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging approximately punctiform light sources, such as LEDs, along a longitudinal direction with a semicircular lens above each source and planar, integrally formed light diffusion means on both sides of the lighting element, which act as diffuse emitters, scattering light outside the main cone without interacting with it, resulting in a more homogeneous light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If rotationally symmetrical parabolic mirrors are used for each LED, then the light distribution is controlled, but the light distribution becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate parabolic mirrors into a single continuous light diffusion means that extends along the longitudinal direction. This continuous structure replaces the discrete mirror arrangement and achieves homogeneous light distribution by uniformly diffusing light across the entire length of the lighting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light diffusion means as an intermediary between the LED light sources and the light box. This diffusion means acts as a mediator that transforms the directional light from individual LEDs into uniformly distributed light, achieving homogeneous illumination without requiring precise alignment of multiple mirrors.
2Illumination intensity
If separate reflector mirrors are provided for each light source, then light control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate reflector mirrors into a single continuous light diffusion means. This merger reduces the number of discrete components, simplifies the overall structure, and eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures while maintaining effective light control.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous light diffusion means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a reflector, a diffuser, and a structural element. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate mirrors for each LED, reducing device complexity while maintaining light control capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mounting plane of LEDs is perpendicular to the light-emitting plane, then the known lighting element structure is used, but the light distribution remains non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light diffusion means as an intermediary layer between the perpendicular LED mounting plane and the light-emitting plane. This diffusion means transforms the geometric arrangement into homogeneous light distribution by scattering and redistributing light uniformly across the emission plane, decoupling the mounting configuration from the illumination pattern.
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 simplifies the lighting element by replacing separate reflector mirrors with continuous light diffusion means, achieving a more uniform light intensity across the light box through multiple reflections and scattering, ensuring even illumination over its dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The lens is designed such that it focuses the emission angle of each light source
Implementation Method 2
The light diffusion elements and the lens are integrally formed. The light diffusion media are designed in such a way that they act as a diffuse radiator on their back side
Implementation Method 3
The light diffusion media are designed in such a way that they act as a diffuse radiator on their back side (i.e., facing away from the light cone of the light source) (approximately a Lambertian radiator)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an elongated luminous element (1) having a plurality of approximately point-shaped light sources (2) disposed along a line and having light diffusion means (3) deflecting at least one part of the light rays (12) sent out by the light sources (2) in a desired direction. The light diffusion means (3) are disposed lateral to the main emitting direction of the light sources. The elongated luminous element (1) is particularly suitable for installation in a light box (13) for advertising or demonstration purposes. The light box has a transparent or partially transparent front side (7) and a reflective back side (8). The elongated luminous element (1) or a plurality thereof is or are applied to at least one of the side areas (11, 14), such that the light rays (12) emitted by the light sources (2) and deflected by the light diffusing means (3) are aimed between or on the back side (8) and/or the front side (7) of the light box (13).