Lens Assembly Sideward Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lenses with reflecting and refracting surfaces are fragile and inefficient in guiding light sideways, particularly for light sources forming small angles with the central axis, leading to light spot formation and structural fragility.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly comprising a lens with a cup portion, an open end portion, and refracting surfaces, along with a lens cap that covers the opening, where light is reflected and refracted to exit laterally, preventing light spots and enhancing structural integrity by using a lens cap with a highly reflective material and a design that prevents easy damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional lens with reflecting and refracting surfaces is used, then light can be guided sideways, but the structure becomes fragile and light spots are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple functional portions: a cup portion for light source positioning, a first refracting portion for primary light refraction, and a second refracting portion for additional light control. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving robust sideward light emission without structural fragility
Solution Approach 2:
A lens cap is introduced as an intermediary component to cover the opening of the lens. This lens cap prevents direct light emission that would create light spots and provides structural support, thereby eliminating the need for fragile acute-angle intersections while maintaining effective light guidance
2Illumination intensity
If the reflecting and refracting surfaces intersect at an acute angle, then light can be reflected and refracted, but the structure becomes fragile and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single intersecting surface configuration, the optical function is segmented across multiple surfaces: the first refracting portion handles primary refraction, while the second refracting portion provides additional light control. This eliminates the need for acute-angle intersections that cause structural fragility
Solution Approach 2:
The lens cap serves as an intermediary that covers the opening and prevents direct light emission. This allows the lens surfaces to be designed with more robust, non-acute angles while still achieving the desired light reflection and refraction through the multi-portion lens structure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light passes through the reflecting surface, then light spots are formed, but blocking light reduces illumination efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The lens cap acts as an intermediary component that selectively blocks light paths that would create light spots while allowing the lens portions to efficiently guide and refract light in desired directions. This selective blocking eliminates harmful light spots without significantly reducing overall illumination efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lens are designed with different optical properties: the first refracting portion for primary light guidance, the second refracting portion for additional light control, and the lens cap for selective light blocking. This local differentiation allows light spots to be prevented at specific locations while maintaining efficient illumination in other areas
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 lens assembly effectively guides light sideways without forming light spots and enhances structural durability by preventing light emission through the opening and using a reflective material to control light reflection, ensuring efficient and robust light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A first portion of light emitted by the light source is incident on and is reflected by the lens cap to the first refracting portion of the lens
Implementation Method 2
is refracted by the first refracting portion of the lens such that the first portion of light exits the lens in lateral directions relative to the central axis
Implementation Method 3
A second portion of light emitted by the light source is refracted by the second refracting portion of the lens, is internally reflected by the first refracting portion of the lens
Implementation Method 4
is internally reflected by the first refracting portion of the lens, and is refracted by the first refracting portion of the lens such that the second portion of light exits the lens in lateral directions relative to the central axis
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly for sideward light emission includes a lens and a lens cap. The lens has a cup portion, an open end portion, and first and second refracting portions. The cup portion surrounds a light source. The open end portion defines an opening. The first refracting portion interconnects the cup portion and the open end portion. The second refracting portion is disposed in the lens and is formed on the first refracting portion. The lens cap is mounted to the open end portion of the lens for covering the opening.