LED Light Module Lens Coupling for Efficient Light Guide Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light modules for devices like endoscopes do not efficiently transfer high-intensity light from LEDs to light guides, leading to inefficiencies in illumination.
Innovation Solution
A light module with a housing, lens, and optical window that includes a lens body with an input surface for receiving light from an LED, an output surface, and a peripheral elliptical surface for total internal reflection, coupled with a removable and replaceable design for efficient light transfer to light guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional light modules are used to transfer light from LED to light guide, then the structure is simple, but the light transfer efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The light module is divided into distinct functional components: an LED mounting portion for light emission, a lens portion with specific refractive index for light focusing, and a light guide coupling portion for light transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, thereby maximizing overall light transfer efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens portion is designed with a refractive index specifically optimized for the wavelength range of the LED light source. This local optimization of optical properties ensures maximum light transmission efficiency at the specific wavelength, rather than using a generic lens material that would compromise performance.
2Illumination intensity
If high-intensity LED light sources are used, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens portion acts as an intermediary between the high-intensity LED light source and the light guide. By optimizing the lens material's refractive index and geometric configuration, the system efficiently couples the high-intensity light into the light guide, minimizing energy loss and reducing heat generation at the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters (refractive index, lens geometry) to optimize light transmission efficiency. By adjusting these parameters, the system maximizes light transfer while minimizing energy loss that would otherwise be converted to heat, thereby reducing thermal generation despite using high-intensity LEDs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed light module design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light module is designed with universal coupling interfaces and standardized mounting portions that can adapt to different light guides and endoscope configurations. The modular architecture with distinct functional portions allows the same basic design to be applied across multiple device types, achieving versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
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 module effectively captures and transfers at least 80-100% of LED light to light guides, providing high-intensity illumination with reduced heat and adaptable for various devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens
Implementation Method 2
A light source is coupled to the hollow chamber at the proximal end thereof (e.g., positioned within the hollow chamber) for providing light to the input surface of the lens. In some embodiments, the light module can include an optical window disposed in the hollow chamber and optically coupled to the output surface of the lens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
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AI summary
In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens. In some embodiments, an optical window is disposed in the hollow chamber and is optically coupled to the output surface of the lens such that the light exiting the lens passes through the optical window before exiting the light module. In some embodiments, the shoulder can be formed as part of the housing. In other embodiments, the shoulder can be provided by a sleeve disposed in the module's housing.