Lens Array Mounting Outside the Optical Path for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated luminaires face challenges in achieving uniform illumination of lenses due to obstructions from lens mounts and support elements within the light transmissive area, which affect the appearance of the emitted beam.
Innovation Solution
The lens mounting system positions lens mounts and support elements outside the light transmissive area of the lens array, ensuring each lens appears fully illuminated by using tabs and fasteners that do not obstruct light, and allows for adjustable beam angles through motor-controlled movement of the lens array relative to LED optical modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lens mounts and support elements are positioned within the light transmissive area, then structural support and lens mounting are achieved, but uniform illumination of lenses is obstructed and visual output quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mounting tabs are repositioned from the traditional in-plane mounting location to a three-dimensional configuration where they extend perpendicular to the lens array plane. This dimensional change allows the mounting structure to exist outside the light transmissive area while maintaining secure lens attachment, thereby eliminating obstructions to uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure (tabs and fasteners) is extracted from the light transmissive area and repositioned to the exterior of the lens array. This extraction removes the obstructing elements from the optical path while preserving the essential function of securing lenses to the support structure.
2Illumination intensity
If lens mounts are positioned outside the light transmissive area, then complete illumination of lenses is achieved, but mechanical coupling and lens security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the lens array, creating a three-dimensional mounting architecture. This allows the fasteners to engage with the tabs from the side, providing secure mechanical coupling while keeping the entire mounting assembly outside the light transmissive area for complete lens illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lens array is fixed relative to LED optical modules, then structural stability is maintained, but beam angle adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lens array is transformed from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position relative to the LED optical modules. Motor-controlled mechanisms enable the lens array to move along the optical axis, changing the beam angle while maintaining structural stability through controlled, precise movement rather than fixed rigid positioning.
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
Ensures complete illumination of each lens while providing adjustable beam angles, enhancing the visual output quality and flexibility of automated luminaires.
Implementation Method 1
Each lens of the lens array is configured to receive an individual light beam in a light receiving portion of the lens and to emit a corresponding individual output light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A lens mounting system and luminaire are provided. The lens mounting system includes a lens support, a lens array with a plurality of lenses, and a fastener. The lens array has tabs to physically couple the lens array to the lens support. The fastener couples at least one tab to the lens support. Each lens of the lens array receives an individual light beam in a light receiving portion of the lens and the tabs are located outside the light receiving portions of the lenses. The luminaire further includes an array of LED optical modules, and a control system configured to move the lens mounting system relative to the LED optical modules. Each LED optical module emits the individual light beam received by a corresponding lens of the plurality of lenses.