Lens With Integrated Optic Shield For LED Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light shielding methods in lighting applications, such as using separate barriers with LEDs, increase construction costs and installation time due to the need for additional components.

Innovation Solution

Integrating shielding within the optics of a light source, such as by forming opaque or reflective shields on the surface of lenses using materials like opaque paint, silicone, or reflective coatings, to block or redirect unwanted light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If separate barriers are placed adjacent to LEDs for light shielding, then light can be blocked from reaching unwanted areas, but construction costs and installation time increase due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight glareVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the light shielding barrier directly into the lens structure, combining two previously separate components (lens and barrier) into a single unified optical element. This eliminates the need for separate barrier components while maintaining the light blocking function, thereby reducing construction costs and installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it focuses/directs light toward desired areas while also blocking light from reaching unwanted areas through integrated shielding portions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated shielding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If separate barriers are placed adjacent to LEDs for light shielding, then light can be blocked from reaching unwanted areas, but installation time increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight trespassVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the shielding barrier into the lens as a single component, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps required during installation. The unified structure requires only one installation operation rather than multiple separate installations, thereby reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding portions are pre-integrated into the lens structure during manufacturing, so that the light blocking function is already configured before installation. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for complex field assembly and reduces on-site installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach reduces costs and installation time by providing effective light shielding without additional components, allowing for tailored light distribution and direction.

Implementation Method 1

The shield 130 blocks transmission of the light produced by the LED 110

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The shield 230 is formed of a reflective material that reflects that same light 240 in a desired direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9341321B2Lens having light transmissive portion and optic shield portion
Publication Date: 2016.05.17 ABL IP HLDG LLC
  • US9341321B2 patent drawing
  • US9341321B2 patent drawing
  • US9341321B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lighting assembly includes a light source and a lens. The lens includes a light transmissive portion and an optic shield portion for blocking or redirecting at least a portion of light generated by the light source. The light source can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The optic shield can be painted on or otherwise applied to a portion of the lens. Alternatively, it can be integrally formed with the lens. The optic shield can be an opaque material for blocking light generated by the light source or can be a reflective material for reflecting light generated by the light source through the light transmissive portion of the lens. Methods for making an optic shield are also described.