Lenslet Array with Variable Axial Distances for LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED-based lighting products face challenges in achieving high lumens with high color rendering index (CRI) and multi-colored lighting due to Etendue limitations, leading to inefficient power consumption and the need for multiple light sources, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A light collector with a dense circular pattern of lenslets that collects light from multiple light sources and directs it towards a gate or aperture, optimizing the packaging density and arrangement of lenslets to enhance light collection and projection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to increase lumen output, then light output is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device segments the light collection function into multiple lenslets arranged in a dense circular pattern, with each lenslet corresponding to a specific light source. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each lenslet's distance from its light source while maintaining overall system compactness and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by setting different axial distances between lenslets and light sources based on their radial positions. Lenslets closer to the optical axis have different distances compared to outer lenslets, optimizing light collection efficiency locally for each region while maintaining high overall lumens.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to increase lumen output, then light output is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical light mixing systems with an optimized optical arrangement where lenslets with different axial distances directly guide light from multiple LED sources through precise geometric positioning, reducing energy loss and improving conversion efficiency.
3Productivity
If lenslets are arranged in a dense circular pattern, then light collection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where lenslets are arranged in a dense circular pattern but with varying axial distances from the light sources. This asymmetric configuration optimizes light collection efficiency while the modular lenslet design facilitates standardized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the axial distance parameter systematically across the lenslet array, with inner lenslets having different distances than outer lenslets. This parameter variation optimizes optical performance while maintaining manufacturability through progressive design approaches.
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 improves light output and efficiency by maximizing the use of light sources within the Etendue limitations, reducing power consumption, and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high CRI and multi-colored capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light collector with a dense circular pattern of lenslets that collects light from multiple light sources and directs it towards a gate or aperture
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an illumination device comprising a plurality of light sources emitting light, an optical gate; a light collector arranged between the light sources and optical gate and an optical projecting system adapted to image the optical gate at a distance along the optical axis. The light collector is adapted to collect light from a plurality of light sources and where the light collector comprises a plurality of lenslets collecting light from the light sources and convert the light into a plurality of light beams propagating along an optical axis. Where the axial distances between the lenslets and light sources along the optical axis for adjacent lenslets are different for at least some of the adjacent lenslets.