Adjustable Reflector for LED Lens Light Distribution

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light emission arrangements with LED sources and lenses are inflexible in varying light intensity distribution or emission characteristics, requiring the exchange of entire optical elements and incurring high costs due to the need for dedicated molds for each alternative embodiment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reflector in front of the lens to influence light emission, allowing for adjustable light intensity distribution and emission characteristics without exchanging the lenses, enabling the same lens form to be used for various lighting tasks by directing light in different directions and using reflectors with various shapes, such as flat or diaphragm configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire optical element is exchanged to achieve different light intensity distribution, then the light emission characteristic can be varied, but the cost and complexity increase due to dedicated molds for each alternative embodiment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensity distributionVSAvoidoptical element

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into two independent components: a lens and a reflector. The lens remains fixed while the reflector can be changed to achieve different light intensity distributions. This segmentation allows varying light emission characteristics without replacing the entire optical element, thereby reducing the need for dedicated molds for each alternative embodiment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector is designed to be changeable or adjustable, transforming the static optical element into a dynamic system. By making the reflector interchangeable or reconfigurable, the system can adapt to different lighting requirements without manufacturing entirely new optical elements for each application, thus reducing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire optical element is exchanged to achieve different light intensity distribution, then the light emission characteristic can be varied, but high costs arise from producing further optical elements by injection-molding method

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensity distributionVSAvoidoptical element

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into two independent components: a lens and a reflector. The lens remains fixed while the reflector can be changed to achieve different light intensity distributions. This segmentation allows varying light emission characteristics without replacing the entire optical element, thereby reducing the need for dedicated molds for each alternative embodiment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector is designed as a separate, easily replaceable component that can be manufactured more economically than entire optical elements. By making the reflector interchangeable, the system can adapt to different lighting requirements without investing in expensive dedicated molds for each alternative embodiment, thus improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a reflector is added in front of the lens to influence light emission, then the light intensity distribution can be adjusted without exchanging lenses, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensity distributionVSAvoidoptical arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into two independent components: a lens and a reflector. The lens remains fixed while the reflector can be changed to achieve different light intensity distributions. This segmentation allows varying light emission characteristics without replacing the entire optical element, thereby reducing the need for dedicated molds for each alternative embodiment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector serves multiple functions: it modifies light intensity distribution, controls emission characteristics, and enables adaptability to different lighting tasks. By making the reflector a separate, changeable component, the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the same lens can work with different reflectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables flexible light emission adjustments, reducing production costs and allowing the same lens to be used for multiple applications by varying the light distribution without replacing the optical elements, improving illumination patterns for specific tasks like aisle lighting and reducing glare in workstations.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector (7, 8) for influencing the light emitted from the lens (6) is arranged in front of the lens (6) in the light emission direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9360172B2Arrangement for emitting light

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH

AI summary

An arrangement for emitting light comprising at least one LED-light source and at least one lens arranged in front of the LED light source in the light-emitting direction. A reflector is arranged in front of the lens in the light emitting direction for influencing the light emitted from the lens.