Two-Stage LED Optic for Lateral Light Direction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED optical systems face challenges in directing light emitted by LEDs in a desired lateral direction effectively, as they often rely on collimation or focusing optics and may require specialized side-emitting LEDs or mirrors, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An LED optical system comprising a first optical stage with a total internal reflector and a second optical stage featuring a cone-shaped upper reflector, which emulates a point light source by focusing and reflecting light to produce a substantially lateral light pattern without the need for additional mirrors or complex assembly, using materials like aluminum, silver, or gold, and optionally a Fresnel lens for further light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional LED optical systems use collimation or focusing optics to direct light, then light can be gathered and directed in a desired direction, but the system becomes more complex and less efficient for lateral light direction
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into two distinct stages: a first optical stage with a total internal reflector for initial light redirection, and a second optical stage with an upper reflector for final lateral light emission. This segmentation allows each stage to perform a specific function, improving overall efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-stage optics to a two-stage three-dimensional optical structure. The first stage handles vertical light redirection while the second stage manages lateral emission, adding dimensional complexity that resolves the contradiction by efficiently directing light laterally without requiring specialized side-emitting LEDs or multiple mirrors.
2Ease of operation
If turning mirrors or specialized side-emitting LEDs are used to direct light laterally, then lateral light direction is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of light redirection and lateral emission into a single integrated two-stage optical structure. Instead of using separate turning mirrors or specialized LEDs, the combined optical stages achieve both vertical light capture and lateral emission in one unified component, simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining efficient lateral light direction.
3Ease of operation
If conventional optics are used to gather and direct LED light, then light can be controlled, but additional mirrors or specialized mounting procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light gathering, redirection, and lateral emission) into a single two-stage optical component that mounts directly over the LED. This integration eliminates the need for separate mirrors and complex mounting procedures, making the system easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining effective light control.
4Ease of manufacture
If a two-stage optical system is implemented, then lateral light pattern is achieved without additional mirrors, but the optic structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two functional stages with distinct geometric features: the first stage uses a total internal reflector with specific curvature for light redirection, while the second stage uses an upper reflector positioned at a controlled distance for lateral emission. This segmentation enables effective lateral light patterns to be achieved through a single integrated optic structure, eliminating the need for additional mirrors and complex assembly procedures.
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 system efficiently directs light laterally, resembling a point light source, allowing for effective light emission without the need for additional mirrors or specialized mounting procedures, and can accommodate various LED types and emission patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical stage may include a total internal reflector
Implementation Method 2
The second optical stage includes an upper reflector located at the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode (LED) optical system. Implementations may include an LED coupled with a printed circuit board and an optic. The optic may include a first end and a second end opposing the first end. The optic may also include a first optical stage including the first end and a second optical stage including the second end. The first optical stage may include a total internal reflector and a second optical stage includes an upper reflector located at the second end. The optic may be coupled over the LED at the first end. The second optical stage may be configured to emulate a point light source for an outer lens coupled over the LED optical system using light emitted from the LED.