Light Collector Lenslets Varying Optical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based lighting systems 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 is used to collect and direct light from multiple light sources onto a gate, optimizing the packaging density and efficiency by arranging lenslets in a circular pattern with varying radial distances and angles, allowing for uniform intensity distribution and improved light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple light sources are combined to increase lumen output, then light output increases, but Etendue limitations prevent efficient collection of light from all sources
Solution Approach 1:
The light collector is segmented into multiple individual lenses, each positioned in front of a specific light source. Each lens is optimized to collect light from its corresponding source, allowing the system to overcome Etendue limitations by treating each source-collector pair independently rather than attempting to collect from all sources with a single collector.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lens in the array has locally optimized optical properties (different focal lengths, aperture sizes, and positions) tailored to its specific light source. This local optimization ensures maximum light collection efficiency for each source while maintaining overall system productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to achieve high CRI and multi-colored lighting, then lighting quality improves, but system complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light collector array is designed to simultaneously perform multiple functions: collecting light from various sources, directing light through color filters for colored beams, and projecting images through gobos. This multi-functionality achieves high lighting quality and color rendering without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple light sources, color filters, gobo elements, and the light collector array into a single integrated fixture. This merging reduces overall system complexity and manufacturing costs compared to using separate fixtures for each lighting function.
3Illumination intensity
If lenslets are arranged in a dense circular pattern with varying radial distances, then light distribution uniformity improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies key parameters of the lenslets including focal length, aperture diameter, and axial position based on their radial distance from the center. This parameter variation compensates for the dense circular arrangement and achieves uniform light distribution across the projection aperture while maintaining feasible manufacturing tolerances.
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 configuration enhances light output and CRI while reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, achieving a more efficient and effective LED lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
A light collector with a dense circular pattern of lenslets is used to collect and direct light from multiple light sources onto a gate
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an illumination device (100) comprising a plurality of light sources (111) emitting light, an optical gate (130); a light collector (120) arranged between the light sources and optical gate and an optical projecting system (140) adapted to image the optical gate (130) at a distance along the optical axis (150). The light collector (120) is adapted to collect light from a plurality of light sources (111) and where the light collector comprises a plurality of lenslets (121) collecting light from the light sources (111) and convert the light into a plurality of light beams propagating along an optical axis (150). The lenslets (121) are arranged in a dense pattern including adjacent lenslets, where the lenslets of at least some of the pairs of the adjacent lenslets have different optical power and wherein the exit surfaces of the pairs of the adjacent lenslets having different optical power meet along a boundary.