Lens Assembly Refracting Light into T-Shape Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emergency lighting systems using Xenon strobes are inefficient due to high size and power requirements, resulting in low light conversion efficacy, and fail to meet the light-intensity requirements of UL 1971 standards for horizontal and vertical planes.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly that utilizes a point-of-light source, such as an LED, with a specifically designed inner surface to refract light into a 'T' shape pattern without the need for reflectors, redistributing light to meet the UL 1971 light output requirements by bending light into perpendicular planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional Xenon strobes are used to generate light patterns, then the light intensity requirements of UL 1971 can be met, but the size and power requirements become high resulting in low light conversion efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/optical system using Xenon strobes and reflectors with a lens-based optical system that uses a point-of-light source. The lens is specifically designed with an inner surface that refracts light into a 'T' shape pattern, eliminating the need for separate reflector components. This substitution achieves the required light intensity distribution while reducing power and size requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by designing a lens with specific refractive properties and geometric configuration. The inner surface of the lens is shaped to refract light at specific angles, transforming the omnidirectional light from a point source into a directed 'T' shaped pattern. This parameter optimization allows meeting UL 1971 standards with lower power consumption and reduced system size.
2Shape
If conventional Xenon strobes with reflectors are used, then the light pattern requirements can be satisfied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of light generation and light pattern formation into a single integrated lens component. The lens combines the point-of-light source positioning, light refraction, and pattern formation functions that would traditionally require separate Xenon tube housing, reflector assemblies, and pattern-forming elements. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining the required 'T' shaped light pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light guide, a pattern-forming element, and a directional control component. The single lens component performs what would traditionally require multiple separate parts (Xenon tube housing, reflectors, and pattern-forming structures), thereby reducing overall device complexity while satisfying the light pattern requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If reflectors are used to generate light patterns, then the light intensity distribution can be controlled, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reflector-based light control with a lens-based refraction system. Instead of using reflective surfaces that can introduce energy losses through absorption and scattering, the lens uses controlled refraction to direct light along precise paths. This substitution maintains effective light intensity distribution while reducing energy loss associated with reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the optical parameters of the lens to minimize energy loss. By carefully designing the refractive index profile and geometric shape of the lens, the system achieves efficient light redirection with minimal absorption and scattering losses. This parameter optimization allows maintaining high light intensity distribution while reducing the energy loss inherent in conventional reflector systems.
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 more efficient light pattern with reduced size and power requirements, improving light conversion efficacy and meeting the predetermined light-intensity standards, while eliminating the need for reflectors.
Implementation Method 1
A lens assembly that utilizes a point-of-light source, such as an LED, with a specifically designed inner surface to refract light into a 'T' shape pattern without the need for reflectors, redistributing light to meet the UL 1971 light output requirements by bending light into perpendicular planes.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens for forming a predetermined pattern from a light source includes a first region of an inner surface configured to receive light from the light source and to bend the light into a first line segment. The lens includes a second region of the inner surface configured to receive the light from the light source and to bend the light into a second line segment perpendicular to the first line segment, the first line segment forming a cross of a “T” and the second line segment forming the stem of the “T”.