Integrated Refractive Optical Element for LED Traffic Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signaling lamps use multiple optical components, such as a fresnel lens and a spreading window, resulting in light loss and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for separate components.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a refractive optical element having a converging outer surface and a diffusing inner surface, where LEDs are positioned inwardly from the focal point to mimic a virtual point light source, reducing the number of plastic parts and optimizing light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple optical components (fresnel lens and spreading window) are used to control light distribution, then light control capability is improved, but light loss increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the fresnel lens and spreading window into a single integrated optical element. This optical element has a first surface with a fresnel lens structure for converging light and a second surface with a diffusing structure for spreading light, thereby eliminating the need for separate components and reducing light loss at interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element performs multiple functions: it converges light through the fresnel lens structure on the first surface, transmits light through the element, and diffuses light through the structure on the second surface. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required separate specialized components.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple optical components (fresnel lens and spreading window) are used to control light distribution, then light control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the fresnel lens and spreading window into a single integrated optical element. This optical element has a first surface with a fresnel lens structure for converging light and a second surface with a diffusing structure for spreading light, thereby eliminating the need for separate components and reducing light loss at interfaces.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple optical components are used in the signal lamp, then light distribution control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the fresnel lens and spreading window into a single integrated optical element. This optical element has a first surface with a fresnel lens structure for converging light and a second surface with a diffusing structure for spreading light, thereby eliminating the need for separate components and reducing light loss at interfaces.
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 enhances light efficiency by minimizing refraction loss and reducing manufacturing complexity, while maintaining effective light control and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element includes a converging outer surface and a diffusing inner surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A signal lamp including a housing having an open end and a central axis, a refractive optical element closing the open end of the housing, and a light source cooperating with the optical element. The optical element includes a converging outer surface and a diffusing inner surface. The inner surface may be facetted and include at least one substantially horizontal portion and at least one substantially vertical portion. The signal lamp may also include a support that includes a plurality of LEDs disposed thereon.