Light Directing Element With Dual-Function Bounding Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light directing elements for combining the emission of multiple point light sources, such as LEDs or halogen lamps, are complex and inefficient, limiting the density of light source arrangement and the versatility of light emission patterns, particularly for achieving homogeneous illumination over large surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A light directing element with a bounding surface that functions as both a light entry and reflection surface for adjacent point light sources, allowing for increased integration density and simplified combination of light emissions, using cooperative regions that refract and reflect light to achieve homogeneous or inhomogeneous light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate lens elements are provided for each light source, then light emission can be controlled individually, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical functions for multiple light sources into a single integrated light directing element. This element contains multiple cavities, each receiving light from a respective light source, and uses shared optical surfaces (bounding surfaces and light exit surface) to control and combine the light emissions, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining individual light control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single light directing element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light entry surface for light from different sources, provides reflection surfaces for light redirection, and serves as a light exit surface for combined emission. The bounding surfaces function both as structural delimiters and as optical elements that shape light from multiple sources
2Device complexity
If multiple lens elements are combined integrally, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light directing element is segmented into multiple cavities, each designed to receive a specific light source. These cavities are formed as integral parts of the single element, allowing for precise geometric definition of light paths while maintaining the benefits of integration. The segmentation enables independent optimization of light collection from each source without requiring separate assembly
3Productivity
If light sources are arranged with high density, then luminous output increases, but light source interaction and optical interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light directing element acts as an intermediary structure between adjacent light sources. The cavities and bounding surfaces within the element provide dedicated optical pathways that separate and organize light from multiple sources, preventing direct interference between adjacent light sources while allowing their light to be combined at the light exit surface
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 enables more compact and efficient light directing elements with higher luminous density, allowing for versatile light emission patterns, including homogeneous illumination over large surfaces, while reducing manufacturing complexity and improving light source interaction.
Implementation Method 1
the bounding surface or bounding surface section forming a light entry surface for the light of the first light source into the light directing element
Implementation Method 2
the bounding surface or bounding surface section simultaneously forming a reflection surface for the light of the second light source on its side facing away from the light entry surface
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for outputting light is provided, having a plurality of punctiform light sources and a light deflection element with a boundary face and/or a boundary face section, which boundary face or boundary face section is arranged in the beam path of the light of both a first light source and of a second light source. In this context, the boundary face or the boundary face section forms a light input face for the light of the first light source into the light deflection element and at the same time forms a reflective face for the light of the second light source.