LED Optical System Stray Light Control via Shield Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED lighting fixtures struggle to effectively limit stray light while maintaining efficiency, often failing to comply with standards like LEED certifications due to inadequate control over light output direction.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising optical pieces and a shield array is designed to direct a majority of light output from LEDs towards a desired illumination direction, using free form optics and total internal reflection prisms to minimize stray light, with blocking shields and low reflectance surfaces to further reduce unwanted light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If blocking shields and shield arrays are added to limit stray light, then stray light control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple functional components: optical pieces for light redirection, blocking shields for stray light prevention, and shield arrays for comprehensive control. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to effectively limit stray light while maintaining organizational complexity manageability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different properties: optical pieces with specific refractive indices for light redirection, blocking shields with opaque materials for stray light blockage, and low reflectance coatings in specific areas. This localized optimization allows effective stray light control without unnecessarily complicating the entire system.
2Loss of energy
If optical pieces and shield arrays are used to direct light, then light efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are combined into integrated components: optical pieces incorporate both light redirection and focusing capabilities, while shield arrays integrate blocking and directing functions. This merging reduces the total number of separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high light efficiency through optimized light pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical pieces are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: redirecting light in desired directions, focusing light onto target areas, and working in conjunction with blocking shields to prevent stray light. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the manufacturing process while improving light efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If blocking shields extend upward over openings, then stray light blockage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking shields are nested within the shield array structure, with each shield positioned within openings of the array. This nested configuration allows effective stray light blockage through multiple layers of protection while organizing the complexity in a hierarchical manner that simplifies assembly and maintenance.
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 enhances light efficiency by directing light towards the intended area while minimizing stray light, ensuring compliance with standards such as LEED certifications by effectively controlling light output from LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
free form LED cavity and a free form protrusion... configured to direct a majority of light output from a received of the LEDs
Implementation Method 2
free form LED cavity... configured to direct a majority of light output from a received of the LEDs in a desired illumination range toward a desired illumination direction
Implementation Method 3
The blocking shields block stray light rays that are transmitted from one of the individual optical pieces in a backlight direction away from the desired illumination direction
Implementation Method 4
Each interior surface is provided partially over one of the optical pieces opposite the illumination direction and blocks stray light rays
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for an optical system for LEDs for control of light output from the LEDs. A plurality of optical pieces may be provided with each being over one or more LEDs and configured to direct a majority of light output from such one or more LEDs toward a desired illumination direction. A shield array may be placed over the optical pieces and include a plurality of openings each sized to at least partially receive one of the optical pieces and a plurality of blocking shields extending upward from and provided partially over one of the openings and one of the individual optical pieces. The blocking shields block stray light rays that are transmitted from one of the individual optical pieces in a backlight direction away from the desired illumination direction.