LED Warning Light Optical Assembly for Uniform 180-Degree Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED light fixtures struggle to efficiently distribute light into a vertically collimated, wide angle beam, leading to uneven illumination and an undesirable appearance, especially when mounted on a vertical surface.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly comprising an LED, a lens, and a reflector is used to redirect light emitted by the LED into a vertically collimated beam. The lens and reflector surfaces, defined by specific curves and focal points, cooperate to redirect divergent light components into planes parallel to a horizontal plane, creating a wide angle horizontal dispersion pattern that fills the light fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-output LEDs with internally reflecting collimating lenses are used to increase luminous flux, then light output efficiency is improved, but the light distribution becomes uneven with bright spots against an unlit background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by mounting LEDs at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the vertical surface rather than perpendicular to it. This angular orientation transforms the light distribution pattern from a concentrated beam into a spread pattern that covers a wider area, filling the fixture uniformly while maintaining high luminous flux output.
2Illumination intensity
If LEDs are angled or spaced to spread light for wide angle emission, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but the light output intensity in any given direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses angular mounting of LEDs to redirect light into a wider distribution pattern. By orienting LEDs at angles relative to the vertical surface, the light is spread across a broader area, achieving uniform illumination while the high luminous flux of modern LEDs compensates for the reduced intensity in any single direction.
3Area of stationary object
If vertically collimated light is produced to achieve wide horizontal dispersion, then light distribution coverage is improved, but the vertical component of light emission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves vertical collimation by mounting LEDs at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the vertical surface. This angular orientation causes the light to be redirected horizontally while suppressing the vertical component, creating a wide horizontal dispersion pattern that covers a broad area with uniform illumination.
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 solution achieves a vertically collimated, wide angle light emission pattern that is evenly dispersed across a horizontal arc of approximately 180°, enhancing visibility and eliminating bright spots, while ensuring all light is utilized within the fixture.
Implementation Method 1
The collimating lens organizes light from the LED into a collimated beam centered on the LED optical axis
Implementation Method 2
The reflector has a pair of first reflecting surfaces intersecting the second plane and a pair of second reflecting surfaces intersecting a third plane
Data Source
AI summary
An LED optical assembly including an LED, a lens, and a reflector. The lens is made up of a light entry surface and a light emission surface rotated about a rotational axis. The reflector has a pair of first reflecting surfaces and a pair of second reflecting surfaces. The first reflecting surfaces are defined by a first curve rotated about the rotational axis. The second reflecting surfaces are defined by a second curve projected along the rotational axis. The lens and reflector cooperate to redirect light emitted by the LED into a vertically collimated wide angle beam of light.